Wayne Anderson - the strongman of song

Wayne Anderson wants to educate young people about the music they've missed out on.

Wayne Anderson wants me to punch him in the stomach.

"Come on," he says, beckoning with both hands to bring it on. Reluctantly I let him have it. Anderson, known by some as South Auckland's greatest singer, stands tall and solid.

"See. Strong stomach, strong voice," he says. "That's why some of these rock singers today are crap. They don't sing from their stomach. Some of their voices wouldn't travel 10 yards without a microphone."

Note to self: must remember to punch Dame Kiri and Sir Howard in the tummy next time I see them.

Anderson does have a strong voice, so much so that you fear it's enough to crack the window panes of his humble Manurewa house. He's the subject of the seven-part documentary , Wayne Anderson - Singer of Songs, which starts on TV2 at 10.30pm this Tuesday.

The series follows 46-year-old Anderson in his quest to break out of the resthome singing circuit, launch a nationwide tour and release an album.

But, says Anderson, he also wants to teach people about what good music is.

"I want to educate young people about the music they've missed out on and spread some sunshine so people get pleasure out of music."

When you're watching the show you'll wonder if Anderson is for real. He's eccentric and his undying dedication is just a little too unbelievable.

But take a tour of his home - complete with impromptu performances from Anderson - and you realise he lives and breathes music.

"Some people have pots and pans and cups and sauces in their kitchen, I have Engelbert Humperdinck," he says, as he opens a kitchen cupboard to reveal his vast Humpster collection.

And he looks the part, too, with the garish rings, the unbuttoned shirt, the giant crucifix necklace cushioned by a bed of chest hair, the perm, and of course, the sideburns.

Walking round his house is like wandering through a music museum that specialises in the greats. We're talking Tom Jones, Tony Christie, Engelbert Humperdinck, Sinatra, Elvis, and our own John Rowles. He also collects other records - he has more than 6000 - by artists like the Beatles, Johnny Cash and Abba, but it's those big belters who are dearest to his heart.

In some cases he has two or three copies of the same record. His collection is catalogued by artists in ring-binder folders. Out in the garage, is another catalogue arranged by song.

While we're here he plays Tom Jones' 1967 album Green Green Grass of Home, to which he can recite the entire track listing off by heart.

Jones is Anderson's favourite singer, followed by Humperdinck, Christie, Rowles and Elvis.

"But I'm not an impersonator. I borrow from them but when I sing it's me, Wayne Anderson," he says. "I'm more of a singer than a performer and I feel everything that I sing. The voice is the most important thing and I sing all the time - I sing walking down the street, I sing at the fish and chip shop, I sing on the bus."

"There's no off-button with Wayne. He's 24/7," says his manager Orlando J. Stewart.

"He's just this unique, crazy, passionate guy. He's someone with a crazy obsession who still hasn't given up on that dream and you have to admire it."

Wayne Anderson - The Journey

Episode One (September 12)

We meet struggling Wayne and his manager Orlando as they hatch a plan to break out of the resthome circuit.

Episode Two (September 19)

A stunning gig by Wayne inspires a plan to promote Wayne's career and make a shot for the big time.

Episode Three (September 26)

Wayne scores a gig on the Good Morning Show but there's also tension between artist and manager.

Episode Four (October 3)

Wayne embraces a fitness regime, seeks out sponsorship, and books a gig at Auckland's SkyCity.

Episode Five (October 10)

In Wellington for the Good Morning Show Wayne and Orlando head to Parliament to lobby for the promotion of good music.

Episode Six (October 17)

The national tour rolls on with a gig in Rotorua and disaster strikes in Huntly.

Episode Seven (October 24)

Ticket sales aren't good for Wayne's SkyCity show and we catch up with what the lads are up to a month after the tour.

Wayne Anderson: Singer of Songs starts on TV2 at 10.30pm, Tuesday, September 12.