finetune artist: Wade Hayes

b. 1971, Bethel Acres, Oklahoma, USA. Hayes was virtually born with a guitar in his hand, arriving into a family that lived and breathed country music. His father, Don Hayes, was a professional musician and bought Wade his first proper guitar at the age of 11. The family suffered a traumatic period during the mid-80s when his father secured a record contract and moved the family to Nashville. The record company went bankrupt owing Hayes Sr. a considerable amount of money - consequently, the family home was repossessed and they moved back to Oklahoma. Hayes Jr. started his professional career playing in his father's band as guitar and second vocalist. In 1992 Hayes met with the successful record producer Don Cook, and in a flurry of signings Hayes found himself with Columbia Records and a songwriting contract with Tree Publishing. He made his recording debut in 1995 with Old Enough To Know Better, an album that was featured widely on US country radio, and justifiably became a sizeable hit. The title song was also a substantial country hit, while the track "Family Reunion" was about a son burying his mother beside his long-lost father. Other impressive tracks include "Don't Make Me Come To Tulsa" and a great Cook, Brooks And Dunn song, "Steady As She Goes'. Hayes" tunnel vision for country music and success has to be admired; it is evident that he is determined to make his career in country music a long one. Hayes continued to show startling maturity with his second effort, an accomplishment way beyond his years.

Listen to Wade Hayes at Finetune.

(1996) On A Good Night
(1994) Old Enough To Know Better

Old Enough To Know Better
What I Meant To Say
I'm Still Dancin' With You
On A Good Night
Don't Stop