Mick Hayes is a published songwriter, accomplished singer, and guitarist who’s been on the Grammy ballot multiple times across various categories throughout his career. His musical journey began in Lackawanna, NY, a blue-collar suburb of Buffalo that was once a steel manufacturing hub. At age seven, Mick was given a guitar and a collection of hand-me-down 45 RPM records, learning the blues early on during a difficult time when his parents divorced.

In his late teens, Mick worked on cars by day and performed in smoky bars by night. His passion for music soon led to regional performances in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Canada. By his early twenties, Mick was a full-time musician, leading his band on national tours and eventually relocating to Atlanta, Georgia to explore the southeast music scene. However, after facing several industry setbacks, he found himself without a band or a permanent home.

Since 2003, Mick Hayes has released ten albums of original material, performing for thousands of fans as direct support for iconic rock acts like the Doobie Brothers, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick, and Peter Frampton. Along the way, Mick has received guitar lessons from Steve Vai, caught the attention of Stevie Wonder and Michael McDonald, appeared on reality TV, and navigated a few misguided management contracts. In 2020, Mick released My Claim to Fame, recorded at the legendary FAME Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, which earned critical acclaim.

When the global pandemic reshaped the world, Mick took time to reflect and reassess his musical direction. After two decades of personal and professional growth, Mick relocated to Franklin, Tennessee in 2023, embracing his new life as a Nashville resident and finding renewed momentum in the city’s vibrant music scene.

In July 2024, Mick Hayes made his highly anticipated return to the industry with his eleventh independent release, LIES & LETDOWNS. This raw, deeply personal album chronicles the past four years of struggle and growth. Recorded at the legendary Ocean Way Nashville Studios produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, who also perform on the album, LIES & LETDOWNS features an all-star lineup, including Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Reese Wynans. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.