Louis Hayes

Louis Hayes is a legendary jazz drummer whose dynamic, hard-swinging style has made him a cornerstone of the modern jazz scene since the 1950s. Born in Detroit in 1937, Hayes came up through the city’s rich jazz scene before making his mark in national circles. He gained early recognition playing with Horace Silver, and went on to be a key member of groups led by Cannonball Adderley and Oscar Peterson. His drumming is known for its crisp, energetic feel and intuitive drive, helping to shape the sound of hard bop.

Through the decades, Hayes has led his own ensembles and continued to be an in-demand sideman, performing and recording with countless jazz greats. His more recent work, including albums like Artform Revisited and Exactly Right!, showcases a master craftsman still deeply connected to the spirit and swing of classic jazz, while continuing to explore and evolve. Hayes remains a vibrant presence in jazz, inspiring new generations of drummers and listeners alike.

Genres

Hard Bop

Jazz

Bebop

Contemporary Jazz

Fusion Music

Latin Jazz

Big Band

Swing

Post-bop

Cool Jazz

Soul Jazz

Related Artists

Cedar Walton

Kenny Barron

Jack DeJohnette

Cannonball Adderley

Oscar Peterson

Herbie Hancock

Brad Mehldau

Art Blakey

Horace Silver

McCoy Tyner

Dexter Gordon

Kenny Burrell

Latest Release

Artform Revisited

Louis Hayes

Album - 10 Tracks - Released July 5, 2024