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Edgar Hayes

Edgar Junius Hayes (May 23, 1902 – June 28, 1979) was an American jazz pianist and bandleader.

Born in Lexington, Kentucky, United States, Hayes attended Wilberforce University, where he graduated with a degree in music in the early 1920s. In 1922, he toured with Fess Williams, and formed his own group, the Blue Grass Buddies, in Ohio in 1924. In 1925, he played with Lois Deppe, and later in the decade led the groups Eight Black Pirates and the Symphonic Harmonists.

From 1931 to 1936, Hayes played in and arranged for the Mills Blue Rhythm Band. From 1937 to 1941, Hayes again led his own orchestra; Kenny Clarke was among his sidemen. His most popular recording was a version of the song "Stardust" and the original recording of "In the Mood" which was later covered by Glenn Miller, both songs were recorded in 1938. He moved to California in 1942, and led a quartet there for most of the decade. Following this he played solo, continuing to perform live into the 1970s. Hayes recorded under his own name in 1937-38, 1946, 1947, 1948, and 1960.

He died in San Bernardino, California, in 1979.

Birth and Death Data: Born Lexington, Died June 28, 1979 (San Bernardino)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1931 - 1949

Roles Represented in DAHR: piano, leader, songwriter, composer, arranger

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings (Results 51-54 of 54 records)

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Master M198 10-in. 3/9/1937 Sweet is the word for you Orlando Roberson Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, leader  
Master M199 10-in. 3/9/1937 Sylvia Orlando Roberson Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, leader  
Master M200 10-in. 3/9/1937 Just a quiet evening Orlando Roberson Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, leader  
Master M201 10-in. 3/9/1937 Manhattan jam Edgar Hayes Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano, leader  
(Results 51-54 of 54 records)

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Hayes, Edgar," accessed December 12, 2025, http://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/110530.

Hayes, Edgar. (2025). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved December 12, 2025, from http://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/110530.

"Hayes, Edgar." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2025. Web. 12 December 2025.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: http://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/110530

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