Buddy Hayes,
Bass And Tuba (1954-1966)
Lawrence Welk's Bassist Established Bird Santuary To Save Ducks
Buddy
Hayes played bass and tuba for the Lawrence
Welk Show from 1954 to 1965. Hayes was born
Theodore Harmond Hayes in Weston, West Virginia on
August 1, 1916. His parents were both musically
talented as well as his ten brothers and sisters.
Starting at the age of four, he toured with his
family's band playing vaudeville and tent shows.
After serving in the Army during World War II, he
studied his craft as bassist and tuba player under
Professor Herman Reinshagen and later toured with
other bands before joining the Welk Orchestra in
1954. Until his departure in 1966, he was a
mainstay in the rhythm section and also demonstrated
his singing and comic talents, which he learned from
his days in vaudeville. After leaving the show in
1966, he was replaced by Richard Maloof.
Buddy Hayes
After Lawrence Welk
In addition to Lawrence Welk, Hayes played with
a number of notable musicians including Red
Ingle, Joe Venuti, Harry James, Stan Kenton, Art
Mooney and Larry Funk. Hayes retired in Coos
Bay, Oregon operated a bird santuary for ducks
for many years.
Hayes passed away after a
short illness on April 26, 1997 at the age of
80.