Theodore Harmon "Buddy" Hayes (August 1, 1916 – April 26, 1997) was an American big band musician who was a member of the Lawrence Welk orchestra. His instruments were the bass and the tuba.
Early life Born in Weston, West Virginia, in a family of performers, he first started performing at age four with his parents' band.
Career Hayes joined the Welk Orchestra in 1954, a year before the Welk show went on national television, after a stint in the United States Army and with several other bands in the Greater Los Angeles area. During his tenure with the Maestro's band and television show, in addition to playing the bass and tuba also was a featured vocalist in comedic and novelty numbers. He remained with the Welk organization until his departure in 1966.
Personal life He continued to perform live and collected and restored old string basses until his death in 1997 at his home in Coos Bay, Oregon.
Discography With Stan Kenton The Kenton Era (Capitol, 1940–54, 1955)
Filmography
Film +YearTitleRoleNotes1947Law of the CanyonBass playerUncredited1947The Stranger from Ponca City'Jug' Player
Television YearTitleRoleNotes1955–1968The Lawrence Welk ShowBass player29 episodes2007Lawrence Welk's TV TreasuresTelevision film
References