Wayne Kramer (guitarist)
American musician (1948–2024) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Wayne Kramer (guitarist)?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Wayne Stanley Kramer (né Kambes; April 30, 1948 – February 2, 2024) was an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, and film and television composer. Kramer came to prominence in the 1960s as the lead guitarist of the Detroit rock band MC5.
This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2024) |
Wayne Kramer | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Wayne Stanley Kambes |
Born | (1948-04-30)April 30, 1948 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Died | February 2, 2024(2024-02-02) (aged 75) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Genres | |
Occupations |
|
Instruments |
|
Years active | 1964–2024 |
Labels | |
Formerly of | MC5 |
Spouse(s) | Margaret Saadi[1] |
Website | www |
Kramer and guitarist Fred "Sonic" Smith co-founded the MC5 in 1963, with vocalist Rob Tyner, bassist Michael Davis, and drummer Dennis Thompson joining shortly after. The MC5 became known for their powerful live performances and radical left-wing political stance. The group broke up amid government harassment, poverty, and drug abuse. For Kramer, this led to several fallow years as he battled drug addiction before returning to an active recording and performing schedule in the 1990s. Kramer also founded the independent initiative Jail Guitar Doors, USA with Billy Bragg and Margaret Saadi Kramer in 2009.[2]
Rolling Stone ranked him among the "100 Greatest Guitarists of all Time".