A night with Justin Hayward - the voice of the Moody Blues

SUGAR LOAF — Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center is presenting an intimate evening with composer, lead guitarist, and front man of English rock band The Moody Blues Justin Hayward on Saturday, May 14 at 8 p.m.
Having chalked up nearly 50 years at the top of the music and entertainment industry, Justin Hayward’s voice has endured time and is known all over the world. Hayward’s mastery of songwriting and his vocal prowess have made him and the Moody Blues a defining force in rock music. Over the last 45 years, the band has sold 55 million albums and received numerous awards.
Commercial success has gone hand in hand with critical acclaim, and the Moody Blues are universally known as innovators and trailblazers who have influenced artists in a variety of genres.
Born and raised in Swindown, England, Hayward’s interest in music started when he was five years old and his grandfather gave him a large collection of 78 rpm recordings. At age 17, he left school and successfully auditioned for British singer and songwriter Marty Wilde. It was a dream come true for Hayward, and Wilde helped launch his career as a songwriter.
After a few solo singles, Hayward joined the Moody Blues in 1966. He hit his stride immediately with the single "Fly Me High" and followed it up with hit songs like "Nights in White Satin" and "Tuesday Afternoon."
There was no shortage of hits for Hayward; he went on to create songs like "Question," "The Voice," "I Know You’re Out There Somewhere," and "Your Wildest Dreams." Songs like these laid the foundation for the success of both the Moody Blues and Hayward's solo career.
When the Moody Blues took a break in 1975, Hayward didn't rest; he continued to crank out solo hits with songs like "Forever Autumn" and albums like "Songwriter," "Moving Mountains," and "The View From the Hill." His latest album "Spirits of the Western Sky," was released in 2013 and shows his musical versatility; while the rock influence is still present, the album also has some shades of country and bluegrass.