Draft:Mick Hayes (musician)
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Submission declined on 8 January 2025 by Beachweak (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia.
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Comment: All claims in a BLP need to be cited with a reliable source. The "Career", "Albums and collaborations" and "Recent work" sections need more sourcing. Beachweak (talk) 10:07, 8 January 2025 (UTC)

Mick Hayes (born June 17, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Buffalo, New York. Currently based in Franklin, Tennessee, Hayes has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards[1] in various categories throughout his career. He is known for blending blues, rock, and Americana music and has released ten albums of original material. Hayes is also recognized for his distinctive guitar work and received instruction from renowned guitarist Steve Vai. Hayes is recognized for his Grammy nominations and collaborations with major artists such as Stevie Wonder and Joe Bonamassa.
Early Life
[edit]Mick Hayes was born in 1978 in Buffalo, New York, and grew up in Lackawanna, New York[2] and East Aurora, New York, two suburbs of Buffalo. He began playing guitar at the age of seven, learning from hand-me-down 45 rpm records his parents gave him after their divorce.[3] This early exposure to blues music had a lasting impact on his musical development. Hayes started playing live music at the age of 16 with local bands and headlined his first festival at the age of 23.
Career
[edit]Hayes began his career as a musician in his late teens, working as an auto mechanic during the day and playing in local bars and clubs at night. He soon expanded his performances regionally, touring in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Canada. By his early twenties, Hayes formed a band and began performing nationally across the United States and internationally in Canada.
He later relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to further pursue his career in the southeastern U.S., while continuing to tour the country.[4] During this time, Hayes expanded his career into television, making appearances on various TV shows, including Confessions of a Matchmaker[5] and American Idol season 6. After leaving Atlanta, he returned to New York, where he continued to perform along the East Coast and in Canada, opening for several notable acts and festivals. Mick eventually moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he continues to write, record, and perform music.
Albums and Collaborations
[edit]Since 2003, Hayes has released ten albums of original material. His music has led to direct support roles for major rock acts, including the Doobie Brothers, Deep Purple,[6] Cheap Trick,[7] and Peter Frampton.[8][9] Hayes has also received guitar instruction from Steve Vai[10] and has shared the stage with musicians such as Billy Sheehan and Stevie Wonder, the latter during his performance at the 2013 NAMM Show.[11][12][13][14]
In 2016, Hayes collaborated with jazz artist Najee, recording a track titled Snowed in with U for his album Guitar&B. Later, in 2017, Hayes was considered by the Grammy Nomination Committee in two categories.[15][16] Additionally, he released several singles, including Hard 2 Explain,[17] which was featured by The Huffington Post.[18]
Hayes also appeared in the Netflix documentary Norman's Rare Guitars released in late 2024, which features the founder Norman Harris (businessman). In the past, Hayes has been featured in episodes of "Guitar of the Day"[19][20] while visiting the store in Tarzana, CA.
One of Hayes' most well-received albums is My Claim to Fame, released in 2020. The album was recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and received positive critical reviews. It featured renowned musicians from the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, including Justin Holder, Bob Wray, Clayton Ivey, Vinnie Ciesielski, Brad Guin, Will McFarlane, Marie Lewey, and Cindy Walker.
Recent Work
[edit]In 2023, Hayes relocated to Franklin, Tennessee, where he is currently working on new music. His upcoming album, set to be released in 2025, is being produced by and features Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith (musician). The album also features artists Reese Wynans, Lemar Carter, Calvin Turner, and Jade Macrae.
Discography
[edit]- Michael...The Other Side of Me (2005)
- Segue EP (2005)
- Live at the Tap Room (2005)
- Self-Titled (2009)
- Recovery EP (2011)
- Cafe Artistry Live (2012)
- The Fuse (2016)
- GUITAR&B (2016)
- Medley 2005-2017 (2017)
- My Claim to Fame (2020)
- Lies & Letdowns (upcoming, 2025)
References
[edit]- ^ "Mick Hayes". 13 July 2020. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ "Bio". Mick Hayes Music. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "A Conversation With Mick Hayes". 16 September 2020. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ "Mick Hayes & Mick Hayes Band". Retrieved 2024-12-23.
- ^ "Confessions of a Matchmaker". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
- ^ "Artpark 2015 Concert Series". 19 April 2015. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ^ "Cheap Trick, Mick Hayes Band". 19 July 2011. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ^ "Artpark: Frampton Comes Alive". Niagara Frontier Publications. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ^ "Artpark Ready to Come Alive". 5 August 2012. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ^ "Knaggs Sheyenne 2013 - Mick Hayes". Retrieved 2025-02-21.
- ^ "Fuchs Audio Presents Mick Hayes Band w/ special guest Stevie Wonder". YouTube. 4 February 2013. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
- ^ "Mick Hayes". Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ^ "Spring Songwriter's Showcase: Mick Hayes". Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ^ "Blues Icon Mick Hayes Reflects on the Future of the Genre". 27 December 2018. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ^ "Mick Hayes". 13 July 2020. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ "Mick Hayes: My Claim to Fame Album Review". Blues Blast Magazine. 28 November 2020. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "First Look: Mick Hayes – Hard 2 Explain". Jammerzine. 16 March 2017. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
- ^ "Mick Hayes "Hard To Explain"". 7 March 2017. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
- ^ "Mick Hayes with the Norman's Rare Guitars Gang". YouTube. 23 April 2019. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
- ^ "Josh Smith and Mick Hayes Rock It at Norman's Rare Guitars". YouTube. 12 November 2015. Retrieved 2025-02-21.