Wade Hayes is a well-known American country music singer and songwriter who gained popularity in the 1990s. He is known for his traditional country sound, incorporating elements of honky-tonk and bluegrass into his music.
Hayes has released numerous hit singles, including ‘Old Enough to Know Better,”On a Good Night,’and ‘The Day That She Left Tulsa (In a Chevy).’ Born on April 20, 1969, in Bethel Acres, Oklahoma, Hayes grew up in a musical family and started playing guitar at a young age.
He began performing in local bands and eventually moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in pursuit of a career in country music. After signing with Columbia Records in 1994, Hayes released his debut album, ‘Old Enough to Know Better,’which quickly gained popularity and launched his successful music career.
Despite facing health challenges later in life, Hayes has continued to make music and collaborate with other country artists, cementing his place in the country music industry.
Key Takeaways
- Wade Hayes is an American country music singer and songwriter known for his traditional country sound.
- He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2011 but continued to tour and record music, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
- His musical style blends traditional country with a modern twist, often incorporating acoustic guitar and fiddle, and he cites country legends and rock bands as inspirations for his music.
- Wade Hayes has won multiple awards, including the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist award in 1995, and has released numerous hit singles and albums throughout his career.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
The early life and musical beginnings of Wade Hayes can be traced back to his childhood in Bethel Acres, Oklahoma, where he was exposed to country music and learned to play guitar at a young age. His father was a musician and played in a local band, which gave Hayes the opportunity to watch and learn from his father’s performances. Hayes’ love for music grew as he began performing with his father’s band at local events and honky-tonks.
As Hayes grew older, he continued to pursue his passion for music and eventually moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a career in country music. He began playing in local bars and clubs, and eventually caught the attention of record executives.
In 1994, Hayes signed with Columbia Records and released his debut album, ‘Old Enough to Know Better.’The album was a commercial success and produced four top 10 hits, including ‘Old Enough to Know Better,”I’m Still Dancin’ with You,”Don’t Stop,’and ‘What I Meant to Say.’
Hayes’ early life and musical beginnings were the foundation for his successful career in country music, and his talent and passion for the genre have made him a beloved artist among country music fans.
Signing with a Record Label
Upon being discovered by a music executive, Hayes was presented with the opportunity to sign with a record label. He eventually signed with Columbia Records in 1994, which led to the release of his debut album, ‘Old Enough to Know Better.’
The album was a commercial success, with its lead single, ‘Old Enough to Know Better,’ reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Hayes’ success continued with the release of his second album, ‘On a Good Night,’ which produced three top ten hits, including the title track.
Hayes’ success with Columbia Records continued until he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2011. This led to a hiatus in his music career as he focused on his health and recovery. However, he eventually returned to music, releasing his sixth studio album, ‘Go Live Your Life,’ in 2015.
While he is no longer signed with Columbia Records, Hayes continues to release music independently and perform live shows for his fans.
Debut Album: ‘Old Enough to Know Better’
Released in 1994, Wade Hayes’ debut album, ‘Old Enough to Know Better,’ marked the beginning of his successful career as a country music artist. The album was produced by Don Cook and released under Columbia Records. It received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching number 6 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
The album features 10 tracks, 7 of which were co-written by Hayes himself. The album’s title track, ‘Old Enough to Know Better,’was the lead single and became a hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The album also includes other popular tracks such as ‘I’m Still Dancin’ With You,”What I Meant to Say,’and ‘Don’t Stop.’
‘Old Enough to Know Better’ showcases Hayes’ traditional country music style, with a mix of ballads and up-tempo tracks. The album’s success paved the way for Hayes’ future albums and solidified his place in the country music industry. The album was produced by Don Cook, a well-known producer in the country music industry who has worked with artists such as Brooks & Dunn and Shenandoah.
Wade Hayes co-wrote 7 out of the 10 tracks on the album, showcasing his songwriting abilities. The album’s success led to Hayes being nominated for Top New Male Vocalist at the 30th Academy of Country Music Awards.
Hit Singles and Success in the 90s
Throughout the 90s, Hayes continued to release hit after hit, cementing his place as a successful country music artist.
His second album, ‘On a Good Night,’ released in 1996, produced three top ten hits including the title track, which reached number two on the US Country charts.
The following year, Hayes released ‘The Day That She Left Tulsa (In a Chevy),’ which peaked at number five on the US Country charts.
This was followed by his third album, ‘When the Wrong One Loves You Right,’ which was released in 1998 and included the hit single ‘Tore Up from the Floor Up.’
Hayes’ success in the 90s was undeniable, with numerous hits and awards under his belt.
In 1995, he won the Country Music Association’s Horizon Award, which is awarded to the most promising up-and-coming artist.
He was also nominated for several other awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards.
Hayes’ success during this time period solidified his place in the country music industry and helped pave the way for his continued success in the years to come.
Health Challenges and Continued Music Career
Despite facing significant health challenges, the country music artist Wade Hayes continued to pursue his music career and release new albums, showcasing his resilience and dedication to his craft.
In 2011, Hayes was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, which led to a surgery that removed a foot of his colon, followed by chemotherapy. Despite the treatment, Hayes continued to tour and record music, releasing his seventh studio album, ‘Go Live Your Life,’in 2015.
Hayes’ determination to continue his music career despite his health challenges is a testament to his passion for music and his commitment to his fans. In addition to releasing new albums, Hayes has also shared his story and experiences with cancer, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
Through his music and advocacy, Hayes has become an inspiration to many, showing that even in the face of adversity, one can continue to pursue their passions and make a positive impact.
Musical Style and Influences
Despite facing health challenges that put a halt on his musical career, Wade Hayes continues to create and release new music. His latest album, ‘Who Saved Who,’was released in 2019 and showcases his unique musical style and influences.
Hayes’ musical style can be described as a blend of traditional country with a modern twist. He often incorporates acoustic guitar and fiddle into his songs, giving them a classic country feel. However, his lyrics and melodies have a contemporary edge that appeals to a wide range of listeners. He also frequently collaborates with other musicians, such as Grammy-nominated guitarist and producer Dave Pahanish, to create a sound that is both fresh and nostalgic.
In terms of influences, Hayes has cited country legends such as Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Buck Owens as inspirations for his music. He has also credited rock bands like The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac for their impact on his songwriting and sound.
This blend of traditional and modern influences has helped Hayes carve out a unique niche in the country music industry. Despite facing health challenges, Hayes’ commitment to his craft and his ability to adapt and evolve as an artist continue to make him a beloved figure in the genre.
Collaborations and Awards
Collaborations with other musicians and recognition from industry awards have solidified Wade Hayes’ status as a respected and accomplished country artist. Hayes has worked with several notable musicians in the industry, such as Vince Gill, Mark Wills, and Bryan White.
In 2001, he collaborated with Gill on the song ‘Places I’ve Never Been,’ which was included in the soundtrack of the film ‘Riding in Cars with Boys.’ Hayes has also collaborated with Wills on the song ‘What Hurts the Most,’ which was later covered by Rascal Flatts and became a massive hit. Furthermore, he collaborated with White on the song ‘Can’t Get Enough of You,’ which was included in his third album, ‘Highways & Heartaches.’
Hayes’ achievements in the industry have also been recognized through various awards and nominations. In 1995, he won the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist award, following the success of his debut album. He has also been nominated for several other awards, including the Country Music Association Awards, the Grammy Awards, and the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards.
His contributions to the country music scene have been acknowledged through these accolades, and his collaborations with other musicians have further solidified his status as a prominent figure in the industry.
Recent Projects and Releases
Recently, Wade Hayes released his latest album, ‘Who Saved Who,’ which features 12 tracks that blend traditional country sounds with contemporary elements. The lead single, ‘I Wish I Still Drank,’ is a catchy tune that highlights Hayes’ storytelling abilities and his unique vocal style.
Apart from his new album, Hayes has also released a few singles in recent years, such as ‘Remember the Alimony’ and ‘Old Enough to Know Better.’ These songs demonstrate his versatility as an artist and his willingness to experiment with different styles and themes.
Hayes has also continued to tour and perform live shows, both as a solo act and as part of various collaborations with other country artists. Overall, his recent projects and releases have shown that he is still a relevant and respected figure in the country music scene, and that he is continuing to evolve and grow as an artist.
Fan Base and Live Performances
Wade Hayes has amassed a loyal fan base throughout his career as a country music artist. His live performances are known for their authenticity and heartfelt delivery, which resonate with his fans. Hayes’ impressive vocal range and skillful guitar playing elevate his live shows to a level that leaves audiences in awe.
Hayes’ connection with his fans is evident in the way he interacts with them during his performances. He takes the time to communicate with them and makes them feel valued. His passion for music and appreciation for his fans is evident in every show he puts on.
Hayes’ live performances have become a cornerstone of his career, and his fans eagerly anticipate his next tour or concert.
Contributions to Country Music Industry
One notable aspect of Wade Hayes’ career is his contribution to the country music industry through his songwriting and musical style. Hayes has been praised for his ability to blend traditional country sounds with modern elements, creating a unique sound that appeals to a wide range of audiences.
This combination of classic and contemporary sounds has made Hayes a prominent figure in the country music scene, and his contributions have helped shape the genre over the years. In addition to his innovative musical style, Hayes is also known for his songwriting abilities.
Many of his songs have become popular hits, and his lyrics often reflect personal experiences and emotions. His songwriting has earned him recognition and respect from both fans and fellow musicians. Through his contributions to both music and songwriting, Wade Hayes has made a significant impact on the country music industry, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists.