Bill Payne’s World of Music and Photography

These photographs were taken during my various travels on different circuses through the years. Their time span goes from 1978 (Bobby Kaye’s 69th Birthday Party) when I worked with Ringling Bros. Circus until 2003 (Young Dancer) which was taken while I was working on The UniverSoul Big Top Circus. I have had various jobs on these shows. I spent many years as a saxophone player with Ringling Bros. Circus but at various times I have worked as a Roustabout (a working man) which in the circus is the lowest, least paying job on the circus, to prop man, then lighting and sound, stage manager…the list goes on forever! The life (for me) was great. It allowed me to meet some of the most interesting people from all over the world, my life has been totally enriched from the experience. I have hundreds of photographs, this is just a small sampling.

All Photo’s Copyright William A. Payne

All Photos ©  -William A Payne