This month's spotlight is on the phenomenal Bradford Hayes: jazz
saxophonist, composer, record label owner, bandleader, and
educator.
Hayes' life is synonymous with the word “music”—from his daytime
role as band director at Luis Munoz Marin Middle School in
Newark, to his passion in being a jazz saxophonist
extraordinaire. The 44-year-old native of Petersburg, Virginia
successfully combines life with his wife and three children, and
his musical world. He has appeared at such places as Delta's in
New Brunswick, the Priory in Newark, and Cecil's Jazz Club in
West Orange.
BLACKNJ: How did you get where you are now? Was it what
you intended/planned?
HAYES: There are a lot of shoulders that I am
standing on and so many people that I have to be thankful to:
GOD, my parents, Morris and Ethel Hayes (both deceased), as well
as my Aunt Katherine and Uncle Odell Reese who raised me in
Dinwiddie County, Virginia. They, with other relatives, gave me
an understanding of commitment, responsibility, and hard work.
These are only some of the people that helped this tree to grow.
When I first started out, I wanted to be a professional football
player, but after playing in high school and college, I realized
that you have to think realistically, and here I am.
BLACKNJ: What were some motivating factors for becoming
a musician?
HAYES: I had many great music instructors, but
my high school band director Robert Harvey led me into music as
a possible career. Mr. Harvey is one of the reasons that I am in
the classroom giving back. Another very influential saxophone
teacher while I was at North Carolina A & T State University was
Dr. William C. Smiley. I grew up listening to Earth, Wind &
Fire, and all of these great R & B bands. When I heard Wilton
Felder with The Crusaders, it was the first time that I heard
the saxophone out front like that. Then I heard Grover
Washington, Jr., and that pulled me in some more. I majored in
Music Education at A & T. When the Department Chairman, Dr. Ted
McDaniels, took some other students and me to see Woody Shaw
live, I was hooked.
BLACKNJ: What obstacles did you face?
HAYES: I learned early that most of the time,
the only real obstacles we face are ourselves. Of course,
growing up in the rural South, there were people that tried to
convince you that you have limitations; but have faith, and
there are no obstacles.
BLACKNJ: Is this your first profession? If not, what
other professions did you try?
HAYES: Yes, my life has evolved around music
during my entire adult life, from teaching in the Newark Public
Schools for 22 years, to performing with the late, great African
drum legend Babatunde Olatunji for 15 years, among others.
BLACKNJ: What expectations do you have for your career
in the next five years?
HAYES: I want to record a new CD in the spring of 2005,
do some touring, and continue to educate our children.
BLACKNJ: Who and/or what have been some of your motivators?
HAYES: Musically, I have studied with tenor sax
legend George Coleman, as well as Charles Davis. My major
influences include John Coltrane, Jackie McLean, and Wayne
Shorter. Educationally, I am motivated by the need to encourage
more children to perform some real music.
BLACKNJ: What advice would you give to upcoming
musicians/teachers?
HAYES: Musically, practice, practice, practice.
Educationally, if you major in music in college, choose music
education over music performance. You may not get the gig, but
can always teach some youngsters that need you. I have been
blessed to be able to do both.
BLACKNJ: What do you most want to be remembered for in
your lifetime?
HAYES: Being a great musician, but even more
so, that I cared and tried to make the world a better place by
influencing lives in a positive way.
BLACKNJ: In what way do you think you are making a
difference in NJ's Black Community?
HAYES: I make a major impact on the students that I
teach, encouraging them to do great things with their lives. As
a performer, I lead by example. I read a book when I was 12
years old entitled I Am Third by football great Gale Sayers. The
movie “Brian's Song” was made from this book. In the foreword of
the book, Mr. Sayers explained he came up with the title because
it was the way he lived his life. God is first, Family and
Friends are second, and I Am Third. That is the way that I have
also tried to live my life.
My Advice to You:
Hayes' advice to other BLACKNJ members is, “Keep your head up.
Anything worth having never comes easy.”
Bradford Hayes lives his blessed life by passing his blessings
on. He is a role model for not only his students, but for adults
as well. Check his website
www.bradfordhayes.com for his scheduled
performances. Keep on jazzin', Bradford!
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About the Writer ::
Gioya McRae an Associate Editor at BLACKNJ.COM. Gioya is
a freelance writer, editor and business owner. She may be
reached by email at
gmcrae@strongwinds.com or visit her website
www.strongwinds.com
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