Wade Hayes

Wade Hayes is a respected American country music artist known for his rich baritone voice, traditional country sound, and songs that speak plainly about life, love, and resilience. Born Tony Wade Hayes on April 20, 1969, in Bethel Acres, Oklahoma, he grew up surrounded by music. His father was a working musician, and Wade was singing harmony as a toddler and playing guitar by the time he was a pre-teen. Country music was never a phase for him — it was part of who he was.

After high school, Hayes set his sights on Nashville, moving there in the early 1990s with a determination to make music his full-time career. He worked construction during the day and played clubs at night, slowly earning respect as a songwriter and performer. His perseverance paid off when he signed a record deal with Columbia Records, launching one of the most promising country careers of the decade.

Hayes broke through nationally in 1994 with his debut single “Old Enough to Know Better,” which quickly rose to No. 1 on the country charts. The song became the title track of his debut album, which went gold and established him as a major new voice in country music. He followed with a steady string of hits throughout the 1990s, including “I’m Still Dancin’ with You,” “Don’t Stop,” “What I Meant to Say,” and “On a Good Night.” His music blended classic honky-tonk influences with modern storytelling, earning him loyal fans on both sides of the border.

Wade Hayes brought his authentic country sound to Canada when he performed at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival in 2002, one of North America’s most celebrated country music gatherings. His appearance added to the festival’s reputation for hosting top-tier talent and connecting artists directly with devoted country music audiences.

As musical trends shifted in the early 2000s, Hayes continued writing, recording, and performing, including work as part of the duo McHayes. His life took a dramatic turn in 2011 when he was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. Against long odds, he fought through treatment, survived, and later overcame a recurrence. That experience deeply shaped his outlook and renewed his commitment to music and life.

Today, Wade Hayes remains an active touring artist whose songs reflect honesty, grit, and gratitude. His career stands as a reminder that true country music is built not just on hits, but on heart, perseverance, and staying true to your roots.