Wade Hayes

Tony Wade Hayes, born on April 20, 1969, in Bethel Acres, Oklahoma, developed an early interest in music, inspired by his father, Don Hayes, a professional country musician. Wade initially learned the mandolin before transitioning to guitar. When he was eleven, his family briefly relocated to Nashville after his father secured a record deal, but they returned to Oklahoma when the label faced bankruptcy. Wade subsequently joined his father’s band, Country Heritage, playing guitar and singing backup. After attending three different colleges, Hayes decided to pursue a music career full-time in 1991, influenced by Ricky Skaggs’ performance at the CMA Awards. He moved back to Nashville, where he began recording demo tapes and writing songs.

In Nashville, Hayes collaborated with songwriter Chick Rains, which led to an introduction to producer Don Cook. Cook, known for his work with artists like Brooks & Dunn, was impressed by Hayes and helped him secure a record deal with Columbia Records in late 1994. His debut single, “Old Enough to Know Better,” was released the same year and quickly climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in early 1995. The accompanying album, also titled “Old Enough to Know Better,” achieved Gold certification from the RIAA and produced three more Top Ten singles: “I’m Still Dancin’ with You,” “Don’t Stop,” and “What I Meant to Say.” In 1995, the Country Music Association nominated him for Top New Male Vocalist of the Year.

Hayes continued his successful career with the release of his second album, “On a Good Night,” in 1996, which also earned Gold certification. He released “When the Wrong One Loves You Right” in 1998 and “Highways & Heartaches” in 2000. In 2003, Hayes formed the duo McHayes with fiddler Mark McClurg, charting one single before a career hiatus. A significant turning point in his life occurred in December 2011 when he was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. After successful surgery and treatment, he was declared tumor-free in March 2012. Hayes returned to music, releasing “Place to Turn Around” in 2009, “Go Live Your Life” in 2015, and “Old Country Song” in 2017, continuing to tour and record independently.