Hunter Hayes, a rising star in country music, emerged as a prodigy at the young age of 19 when he signed with a major label. However, his musical journey began even earlier, as he started performing for audiences at just five years old and released his first album at nine. Born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana in 1991, Hayes displayed a passion for music from a tender age influenced by his family’s Cajun heritage. Surrounded by the sounds of legendary Cajun accordionist Aldus Roger, he quickly developed a knack for music by mimicking melodies and mastering the accordion. By the age of five, he was already impressing audiences with his skills, eventually gaining local celebrity status in Louisiana through appearances on TV shows and performances with renowned artists like Hank Williams, Jr. and Johnny Cash.
Hayes’ musical prowess continued to evolve as he expanded his instrument repertoire to include guitar, mandolin, bass, and percussion, showcasing his multi-instrumental talent. In pursuit of a career in country music, he made a significant move to Nashville in 2009 and secured a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group. His breakthrough came with the release of the single “Storm Warning” in 2011, marking his entry into the country music scene. Subsequently, his self-titled debut album achieved remarkable success, topping the country charts and producing hit singles like “Wanted” and “Somebody’s Heartbreak.” Hayes’ musical journey saw further milestones with the release of his second album, Storyline, and subsequent singles like “Tattoo” and “21.” His innovative approach to music production was evident in projects like The 21 Project, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Over the years, Hayes continued to captivate audiences with his distinctive sound, earning accolades like a Grammy nomination for Best Country Solo Performance and releasing projects like Wild Blue as part of a larger three-album endeavor.