Hello, and your very welcome to my new single, I’m Pat C Hayes, a country singer from Wexford., and this is my rendition of the Marty Robbins hit Crossroads of Life recorded with Stephen Smyth in Portaferry.
My first memory of music was Irish traditional, I sang my first song on stage at the tender age of 11 in the village of Inistioge , Co. Kilkenny. I got my 1st Guitar from my cousin , as her brother had one and was killed in a motorcycle accident, so after lots of begging she gave it to me. I wish that I still had it.
I got my first taste of American Country Music in Duncannon at 13, as a man befriended me in local pub and shop where i had my first job, he was sailing on cruise ships and had a large collection of reel to reel tapes from his trips, people like
Gentleman Jim Reeves, Charley Pride, Hank Snow, etc. He let me have unlimited use on his headphones, I was in Heaven.
I joined my 1st band in June 1977,together with Bass Guitar player Paddy Ryan, and Guitar player Eddie Long. We played local pubs. Like many people at the time, I emigrated and moved to London in January of 1986. I played the pub and club scene there until 1999 when I returned to Wexford. I joined an Enniscorthy Band playing weddings and also the pub and dance circuit. We got the job of backing the legendary Larry Cunningham (RIP) until 31st December 2002. We were Larry’s last road band. After that he just did guest spots. We then did one year with Fiona Coleman, and at the end of 2003 we disbanded. I was part of a duo for the next few years, until with the aid of Backing Tracks I put my little ole show on the road, which I enjoy to the present day.
As I said, I am a very big fan of American Country especially the era from about 1965 to 1985. I endevour to do as much of this music as I can fit in to 2 and a bit hours. Obviously one has to fit in some Irish style ballads and such to be accepted on the circuit I do.
My Favourite singer is George Jones, closely followed by Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Tammy Wynette and Gene Watson and mostly everyone of that era. I rate Hank Williams Snr. as the greatest songwriter ever.
Thank you for reading this, and I look forward to meeting you somewhere down the road. If you turn up to one of my shows, come up and say hello, ask for an autograph or get a selfie.
To book me for a gig in your venue or to interview me on radio, call my management on 0872390706 or email possumhayes@yahoo.co.uk
Your friend in Music
Pat.