Oklahoma native, Amber Hayes has remained connected to her roots. Raised on traditional country, Amber has great respect and admiration for the artists that went before her. “Musically, they built the road that led us to where we are today” she says. She has been given many opportunities both singing and acting but has remained grounded and grateful.
GC: Few can claim film, television, theater and country music artist on their resume. Which came first for you?
AH: Country music came first. I was singing for as long as I can remember. However, people started to notice more after the Conway Twitty musical. (Amber was cast as Kathy Twitty in Conway Twitty: The Man, The Music, The Legend….The Musical)
GC: You have experienced so much already. What has been the biggest honor to date?
AH: Playing for the troops overseas for sure. I also got to open for Reba. Being from OK, she made an impression on me and opening for her was a dream come true. Also, as a child I would sit in the stands of OK Thunder games with my family. I would dream that I was onstage singing the National Anthem so when that actually happened it was surreal. All 3 of these things were on my dream board and they all came true.
GC: Who are some of your musical influences?
AH: Reba for sure. I also loved Barbara Mandrell, The Judds, Trisha Yearwood and Dolly Parton.
GC: What was the first album you owned?
AH: “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed” by Barbara Mandrell
GC: Do you have a favorite song being played on the radio now?
AH: Im loving “Beat of the Music” by Brett Eldredge
GC: What would people be surprised to know about you?
AH: Im a hula dancer and toured with a hula troop when I was younger.
GC: Your music was used for the motion picture “Cowgirls N’Angels”. How did that come about?
AH: The movie was staged in OK and they ended up using not 1, but 3 of my songs. (C’mon, Right as Rain, Always There For Me). I also was given my first cameo appearance in the film appearing in a scene with Richie McDonald of Lonestar. They just finished a sequel “Cowgirls N’ Angels 2:Dakota’s Summer“. Im honored to do another cameo, this time singing “Cotton Eyed Joe“.
GC: What is your favorite song that you have written/recorded?
AH: It changes all the time but right now “Any Day is a Good Day” stands out. I wrote the song with Bill DiLuigi and JP Williams. The song is inspirational and I can see it connecting with people.
Amber Hayes is hosting a unique event during CMA Fest. Sweet Sunday Singin’ with Amber Hayes & Friends will be on June 8 at the The Listening Room. The event, sponsored by Gigi’s Cupcakes and J. Alexander Home, is free to the public and will feature Hayes along with other acts performing positive, uplifting Country music accompanied by complimentary cupcakes, coffee and tea. Catch her there or on the road. For more information go to www.amberhayesmusic.com
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