Justin Hayward on the Creative Process
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By: Ernie Manouse
Justin Hayward, best known as the lead singer of The Moody Blues, came to Houston’s House of Blues recently to share with the audience his new music from his 2013 release “Spirits of the Western Sky.” Of course, when attending a performance of Justin Hayward’s, you do hope you will hear some of his classic hits – and he did not disappoint. He opened the show with "Tuesday Afternoon" and followed with a mix of the hits and new material – including Moody Blues tracks “Wildest Dreams” and “Nights in White Satin.”
Before the concert, Hayward made a little time available to chat with Houston Public Media’s Ernie Manouse. Together they discussed inspiration, song writing and fame.
Hayward began his career when he was first able to afford a Gibson guitar at the age of 15. By 17, he had signed a publishing contract as a songwriter – but the biggest move of his young life came when he answered an ad in Melody Maker magazine. He had done that once before - leading to him getting hired by Marty Wilde to join his group The Wilde Three, but this time his letter was passed on to Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues. Almost immediately, Hayward replaced departing vocalist and guitarist Denny Laine, and found himself a member of The Moody Blues. It was 1966 and the world was just opening up to him – hits and bestselling albums followed and The Moody Blues became one of the best known bands of the era.