Hunter Hayes

Life and career

Hayes was born on September 9, 1991, in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; he is an only child. His parents both have French Cajun ancestry, along with small amounts of English, Scots-Irish, and German. He grew up Catholic, singing songs in both English and French.

Hayes started performing when he was 2. At 4, he began making appearances locally and on national television, including Maury, Rosie O'Donnell Show, and the Nickelodeon game show Figure It Out, where he performed "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)". American Songwriter writes that "Hayes received his first guitar from actor Robert Duvall at age 6" At age 7, he was invited to perform for President Bill Clinton for a White House lawn party. At 13, he appeared on America's Most Talented Kids, a show hosted by Dave Coulier; he performed the hit Hank Williams song, "Hey Good Lookin'". At age 9, Hunter released his debut independent studio album "Through My Eyes" on October 8, 2000, under Suagartown Records and Louisiana Red Hot Records. He released several more independent albums: Make a Wish in 2001, Holidays with Hunter in 2003, Honoring our French Heritage in 2006, and Songs About Nothing in 2008.

In 2008, he moved from Breaux Bridge to Nashville, Tennessee, and signed with Universal Music Publishing Group as a songwriter. In 2010, Hayes co-wrote "Play" for the Rascal Flatts album Nothing Like This. In September, he was signed to Atlantic Records Nashville and began working on what would become his major-label debut.

Hayes appeared as the opening act of 10 dates of country star Taylor Swift's Speak Now World Tour throughout the summer of 2011 and concluded his leg of the tour in St. Louis, Missouri. In April 2011, he went on his own radio tour where he debuted songs that would appear on his debut album. His debut headlining tour was the Most Wanted Tour; the first leg of the tour began on October 8, 2011, in Beaumont, Texas, and ended on December 4, 2011, in San Bernardino, California.

Hayes and singer Victoria Justice contributed a duet to the soundtrack of 2011's Footloose remake, recording a cover of Mike Reno's and Ann Wilson's 1984 hit "Almost Paradise" from the original film. From January to February 2012, Hayes was the opening act on the Rascal Flatts "Thaw Out" tour.

"Where We Left Off" is an original song, written by Hayes, that can be heard on the soundtrack for the 2012 war film Act of Valor.

During the 2012 O Music Awards, The Flaming Lips broke a Guinness World Record (previously held by Jay-Z) for most concerts played in multiple cities in a 24-hr. period. Hayes was the opening act for them at the Hattiesburg stop.

In May 2012, Martin Guitars named Hayes as C.F. Martin & Co.'s newest brand ambassador. American Songwriter quoted Hayes on the subject: "It is an absolute honor to be named an official Martin Ambassador and to be recognized by the Martin family."

On September 7, 2012, he was inducted at the Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans, Louisiana, into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

2011–2014: ''Hunter Hayes'' and ''Storyline''

Hayes's debut single, "Storm Warning", released to radio on May 16, 2011. His self-titled major-label debut album was released on October 11, 2011. He co-wrote every song, played every instrument, and along with Dann Huff, produced the album. "Wanted", the second single, was released to radio on March 5, 2012.

On July 24, 2012, he appeared on the CBS's The Talk, where he was then given an RIAA Gold Certification plaque for "Wanted". Just shy of two months since "Wanted" went gold, the song was certified Platinum by RIAA on August 23, 2012.

"Wanted" became his first No. 1 single, making him the youngest solo male act to top Hot Country Songs, breaking the record set in 1973 by Johnny Rodriguez. Twenty weeks after first appearing in the top spot and under a new chart format, "Wanted" returned to the top spot. "Somebody's Heartbreak", the album's third single, went to No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart.

Starting September 14, 2012, Hayes began appearing as the opening act on 90+ dates for Carrie Underwood's Blown Away Tour.

He was also nominated for three Grammys including Best New Artist at the 2013 Grammy Awards; he is the youngest male country artist to be nominated in all three categories for which he was nominated. The album's fourth single, "I Want Crazy", which is from the deluxe Encore edition, was released to country radio on April 7, 2013. It peaked at number two on the Country Airplay chart in August 2013. Following it was "Everybody's Got Somebody but Me", a re-recording of a song from the original press of the album. The re-recorded version features guest vocals from Jason Mraz.

Hunter was one of five country singers who won a CMT Artist of the Year award in 2013. This award is awarded every year to a group of country musicians who have had an outstanding year.

Hayes performed "Invisible", the lead single from his second album, at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. Storyline was released on May 6, 2014. In an effort to promote his album and to raise awareness to end child hunger, Hunter broke the Guinness World Record for the most concerts played in multiple cities in 24 hours, previously held by The Flaming Lips. The album's second single, "Tattoo" released to country radio on June 16, 2014.

On July 20, 2014, Hayes's self-titled debut album was certified double platinum by the RIAA. Following that was "Light Me Up", another single from the deluxe version of his debut album, in 2015.

2015–2018: ''The 21 Project'' and canceled album

On May 21, 2015, Hayes released "21", which was the title track for both his EP and third studio album, The 21 Project. He also appeared on the track "I Can Play Guitar" on Brett Kissel's album Pick Me Up.

On November 2, 2016, Hayes performed with four holograms of himself on Jimmy Kimmel Live's after the CMA show.

In March 2017, Hayes performed as part of the C2C: Country to Country festival in the UK where he played alongside Dan + Shay and Darius Rucker supporting Reba McEntire and would return in 2019 with Carly Pearce and Dustin Lynch in support of Lady A. Following "21," Hayes released several songs including “Yesterday’s Song” which were slated to be part of a studio album set to be released in February 2018. Hayes then canceled the project citing “shifted priorities.”

Hayes also appeared as a guest star in the Nickelodeon show Bella and the Bulldogs.

2018–present: ''Wild Blue'' and ''Red Sky''

In December 2018, Hayes guest starred on Darci Lynne: My Hometown Christmas. He also recorded a duet with Irish singer Catherine McGrath for her debut album Talk of This Town.

In January 2019, Hayes released his first radio single in three years titled "Heartbreak" which was the lead single for an upcoming album to be released by Warner Music Nashville.{{cite web |title=Future Releases for Country Radio Stations

In August 2019, Hayes made a surprise announcement on NBC's Today Show revealing his album Wild Blue (Part I) would be released on August 16, 2019. The album is the first part of a three-part ‘trilogy’ of albums.

In April 2020, Hayes competed in the third season of The Masked Singer as "Astronaut". In June 2020, the Saskatchewan-based Hunter Brothers released their single "Hard Dirt", co-written and produced by Hayes. He also co-wrote and produced their 2021 single "Been a Minute".

In October 2021, Hayes released the album Wild Blue Complete an extension of the album Wild Blue (Part I).

In April 2023, Hayes released the album Red Sky.

Discography

Main article: Hunter Hayes discography

• Hunter Hayes (2011)
• Storyline (2014)
• The 21 Project (2015)
• Wild Blue (2019)
• Red Sky (2023)

Tours

Headlining

• Most Wanted Tour (2011)
• Let's Be Crazy Tour, with Ashley Monroe (2013)
• We're Not Invisible Tour, with Danielle Bradbery and Dan + Shay (2014)
• 24 Hour Road Race to End Child Hunger (2014)
• Tattoo (Your Name) Tour, with Dan + Shay and The Railers (2014)
• Let's Be Crazy / Crazier UK Tour (2015)
• 21 Tour, with Ryan Lafferty and Kelsea Ballerini (2015)
• Closer to You Tour, with Levi Hummon and Tegan Marie (2019)
• Red Sky Tour (2023)
• Flying Solo Tour (2023)
• Flying Solo Tour: Season 2 (2024)

Supporting

• Speak Now World Tour – Taylor Swift (2011)
• Blown Away Tour – Carrie Underwood (2012)
• Wheels Up Tour – Lady Antebellum with Sam Hunt and Kelsea Ballerini (2015)
• C2C: Country to Country – Reba McEntire with Dan + Shay and Darius Rucker (2017), Lady Antebellum with Dustin Lynch and Carly Pearce (2019)

Filmography

Awards and nominations

Academy of Country Music Awards

The Academy of Country Music Awards, also known as the ACM Awards, were first held in 1966, honoring the industry's accomplishments during the previous year. It was the first country music awards program held by a major organization. The academy's signature "hat" trophy was created in 1968. The awards were first televised in 1972 on ABC.

American Country Awards

The American Country Awards is a country music awards show, entirely voted on by fans. Created by the Fox Network, the awards honor country music artists in music, video, and touring categories. Hayes has won two awards from five nominations.

Grammy Awards

A Grammy Award (originally called Gramophone Award), or Grammy, is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry. The annual presentation ceremony features performances by prominent artists, and the presentation of those awards that have a more popular interest.

Other awards

References

References

1. Dan Harr. (September 14, 2011). "Hunter Hayes Celebrates His 20th Birthday at House of Blues". Music News Nashville.
2. Deborah Evans Price. (May 6, 2014). "Hunter Hayes Leads Country's Youth Revolution, Without a Pickup Truck or Beer in Sight".
3. Hensel, Amanda. (August 24, 2011). "Hunter Hayes Sets Release Date for Debut Album". Taste of Country.
4. (May 6, 2014). "Hunter Hayes Leads Country's Youth Revolution, Without a Pickup Truck or Beer in Sight".
5. [http://www.hunterhayes.com/bio Hunter's Story] {{webarchive. link. (February 9, 2012 . HunterHayes.com. Retrieved on February 21, 2012.)
6. "Hunter Hayes : Biography". IMDb.com.
7. Helligar, Jeremy. (October 27, 1997). "Squeeze Play". People.
8. Wilkinson, Hannah. (August 16, 2018). "You Are Good Enough: Hunter Hayes and Jen Ledger Find Their Value In Christ".
9. Rose, Christopher. (April 4, 1997). "Kids keep Cajun traditions thriving". The Tuscaloosa News.
10. Conaway, Alanna. (June 13, 2011). "Hunter Hayes Was 'Born' to Make Country Music". Taste of Country.
11. (October 16, 2011). "Hunter Hayes - "Jambalaya" on Figure it Out".
12. Evan Schlansky. (May 21, 2012). "Hunter Hayes Is Martin Guitars' Latest Brand Ambassador".
13. "Through My Eyes - Hunter Hayes {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic".
14. (March 4, 2011). "Hunter Hayes will open for Taylor Swift SPEAK NOW North American Tour 2011". HunterHayes.com.
15. Hunter Hayes. (April 2011). "Hunter Hayes – Radio Tour (Week 1)".
16. Conaway, Alanna. (September 13, 2011). "Hunter Hayes Sets Fall 2011 Tour Dates". Taste of Country.
17. [https://www.rascalflatts.com/story/news/rascal-flatts-announce-ithaw-out-2012i-tour Rascal Flatts Announce Thaw Out 2012 Tour]. RascalFlatts.com (October 17, 2011). Retrieved on February 21, 2012.
18. [https://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment/53539733-81/act-valor-original-songs.html.csp 'Act of Valor' soundtrack features original songs from Lady Antebellum, more]. Sltrib.com (February 20, 2012). Retrieved on 2012-02-21.
19. (June 28, 2012). "Hunter Hayes Performs on O Music Awards". [[Country Music Television]].
20. (September 10, 2012). "Hunter Hayes Inducted Into Louisiana Music Hall of Fame". [[Yahoo! Finance]].
21. [http://www.hunterhayes.com/news/hunter-hayes-release-self-titled-debut-album-atlantic-records-october-11 HUNTER HAYES TO RELEASE SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM ON ATLANTIC RECORDS OCTOBER 11] {{Webarchive. link. (February 20, 2012 . HunterHayes.com (August 24, 2011). Retrieved on 2012-02-21.)
22. (April 22, 2011). "Hunter Hayes becomes Next Big Thing". Country Standard Time.
23. (July 25, 2012). "Hunter's Interview And Performance On The Talk". HunterHayes.com.
24. Conaway, Alanna. (September 18, 2012). "Hunter Hayes Gets What He 'Wanted' With First No. 1 Single". Taste of Country.
25. Jessen, Wade. (September 20, 2012). "Hunter Hayes Makes History, Little Big Town Shines on Country Charts".
26. Trust, Gary. (February 18, 2013). "Ask Billboard: What's so unusual about Hunter Hayes's New No. 1".
27. "Hunter Hayes Dupe 1 - Chart History (Country Airplay)".
28. Diehl, Matt. (February 6, 2013). "Hunter Hayes: My Grammy Ritual".
29. "About Hunter Hayes".
30. (November 28, 2013). "News : Hunter Hayes Interview: CMT Artists of the Year". CMT.
31. Craig Shelburne. (January 26, 2014). "News : Hunter Hayes Debuts "Invisible" on Grammys". CMT.
32. (March 11, 2014). "Hunter Hayes' New Album 'Storyline' to Drop May 6 « Radio.com". News.radio.com.
33. (May 10, 2014). "Hunter Hayes Breaks Guinness World Record For Most Concerts Played in multiple cities in 24 hours".
34. "Gold & Platinum - RIAA".
35. Newman, Melinda. (August 14, 2019). "Hunter Hayes on His New Album, 'Wild Blue': 'What This Record Did for Me Was Something Pretty Profound'".
36. (20 October 2018). "Star-Studded Lineup Revealed for 'Darci Lynne: A Hometown Christmas'". Talent Recap.
37. Krol, Jacklyn. (August 14, 2015). "Hunter Hayes Sets Spring 2019 Closer to You Tour". Taste of Country.
38. Casey, Jim. (March 25, 2019). "Hunter Hayes Drops New Single & Will Hit the Road for "Closer to You" Tour". Cumulus Media.
39. Hollabaugh, Lorie. (February 7, 2019). "Hunter Hayes to Launch Closer to You Tour in April". MusicRow Magazine.
40. (August 14, 2019). "HUNTER HAYES SOARS ON NEW ALBUM "WILD BLUE (PART I)"". Warner Music Nashville.
41. Watts, Cindy. (August 14, 2019). "Hunter Hayes to drop 'Wild Blue,' surprise album of heartbreak, turbulence". The Tennessean.
42. Krol, Jacklyn. (August 14, 2019). "HUNTER HAYES ANNOUNCES 'WILD BLUE' ALBUM, RELEASES TITLE TRACK [LISTEN]". Taste of Country.
43. (April 30, 2020). "'The Masked Singer' Reveals the Identity of the Astronaut: Here's the Star Under the Mask".
44. (April 30, 2020). "The Masked Singer Unmasks the Astronaut".
45. (June 5, 2020). "Hunter Brothers drop highly-anticipated new single "Hard Dirt" June 12". [[Open Road Recordings]].
46. Dagg, Nanci. (March 20, 2021). "Timing is everything and the time couldn't be more perfect for the Hunter Brothers to release their new single "Been a Minute"". Canadian Beats Media.
47. ""Wild Blue Complete"".
48. Fisher, Kelly. (21 April 2023). "Hunter Hayes Unleashes Long-Awaited 'Red Sky' After Years In The Making".
49. Reynolds, Leslie. (January 22, 2013). "A Look At The ACM Nominees for New Male Vocalist".
50. Staff, Taste of Country. (April 8, 2013). "2013 ACM Awards Winners – Full List".
51. Ray Waddell. (October 30, 2012). "Roger Waters, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Coldplay, Kenny Chesney Among 2012 Billboard Touring Awards Finalists".
52. (December 29, 2014). "MC 100: Hunter Hayes Receives "Social Media Superstar" Award". [[YouTube]].
53. (August 16, 2015). "2015 Teen Choice Award Winners – Full List". [[Penske Media Corporation]].