Prodigies come once in a life time, and country music is lucky to be able to claim one for their own with the amazing Hunter Hayes. His out-of-this-world musical talent, coupled with his boyish-good looks, and his love for animals (he rescued an adorable greyhound named Cole) among other things makes him our pick for this week’s #MCM!
1. Instinct: 19-year old Hayes’ official break-through onto the country music scene with his debut single “Storm Warning” in 2011 wasn’t a surprise for many – the Breaux Bridge, LA native had accumulated fans and respect from the music industry for years because of his talent. Example: by the time he turned five, Hayes had already performed with country royalty, joining Hank Williams Jr. on stage for “Jambalya (On the Bayou),” accordion in hand. Yes, you read that correctly. Hayes performed one of Hank Williams most popular songs with not only an accordion, but also Hank’s son, at a time in life when most kids don’t even know how to read.
2. “Multi-instrumentalist” doesn’t cover it: If you are blown away by a four year old Hayes performing the accordion in front of the masses, you might want to grab on to your seat – the young Hayes was already a seasoned vet on the instrument, playing it since the age of two. And while it’s common for artists to have the ability to play one or more instruments, it’s not every day someone comes along who can play more than 30! On his debut self-titled album, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album, Hayes played every instrument (32 of them) himself, as well as sung every vocal track, co-wrote each song, and produced. Hayes has said that his favorite instrument to play is guitar (more on that next) but also breaks out the piano and drums on tour.
Still don’t believe exactly how talented this guy is? How about an eight-minute video of a teen-aged Hayes performing Ronnie Milsap’s “Don’t You Know How Much I Love You” on piano, the Cajun classic “J’ai Passé” (The Back Door) by Wayne Toups on accordion and Vince Gill’s “Liza Jane” on guitar?
3. He’s a master of the guitar: Eric Clapton’s “Crossroads Benefit Concerts” have featured the best guitarist across all genres of music, with the most recent tour in 2013 including Vince Gill and Keith Urban. It would not be a surprise if the next Crossroads (should there be one) would have Hayes on the bill, as the 24 year old can play up to the standards of the greats. His relationship with (or obsession as Hayes has called it in interviews) the guitar is one of yin and yang, flora and fauna, as if the instrument becomes an extension of himself. Check out the video below – his guitar solo starts around the 3:15 mark:
4. His ability to write timeless, poignant songs: A mark of a true artist is when he or she is able to write a song that remains relevant far into the future and holds true with a variety of audiences – Hayes has that talent. His 2014 single “Invisible,” written in reference to the bullying he experienced growing up as he was a self-proclaimed geek, is an empowering eloquently stated anthem – it’s ok to be who you are. In this current culture where bullying has moved from not just getting pushed around on the playground but to being surrounded 24/7 due to social media, his inspirational lyrics are important to those who are dealing with the same issues. It transcends ages, a topic that not only adolescents but adults can also relate to in this crazy and judgmental world. Then there is his piano ballad “Wanted,” plucking at the heart strings of females (and males) with mature lyrics that seemed to be written by a 30 year old, not someone barely into their twenties. Listen to the crowd belt out the lyrics leaving Hayes to soak it in:
5. He’s a record breaker. A World Record breaker that is: To help promote his second album Storyline, Hayes decided to attempt to break the Guinness World Record of most concerts played in multiple cities in a 24-hour period, then held by The Flaming Lips. Hayes succeeded, performing ten shows in ten cities in 24 hours. But, being the good-hearted guy that he is, he doubled his effort – using the publicity to bring awareness to end childhood hunger, partnering with ConAgra Foods for their “Child Hunger Ends Here” program as well as co-writing the campaign’s song “Here’s Hope” with Luke Laird and Barry Dean.