Robert Denecke Hays

Never really knew him. But we are both musicians, and painters, and students of the world. Not blood related. But nurtured over nature. Love this guy. And his BEAUTIFUL WIFE, Sylvia Hays. :)) <3

He my grandpa!! My name is Robert Hays Teasley. Wonder where that name comes from :) <3

I MET BOB HAYS AS A FRESHMAN AT MISSISSIPPI SOUTHERN COLLEGE IN THE FALL OF 1959! SOMEHOW, HE KNEW THAT I WAS INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL TROMBONIST AND INSISTED THAT I DO WHATEVER WAS NECESSARY TO REACH THAT GOAL! I WAS HIRED TO PLAY IN THE TOMMY DORSEY BAND, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF WARREN COVINGTON IN THE SUMMER OF 1960, AT THE AGE OF 18! I'M SURE THAT WITHOUT BOB'S INSPIRATION, THINGS WOULD NOT HAVE MATERIALIZED QUITE AS SMOOTHLY AS THEY DID! THROUGHOUT MY LIFE AND CAREER, I'VE...

Dr. Hays was one of my biggest influences in my life, in the world of "the art of jazz". I now own and operate a jazz listening room, Merrimans' Playhouse, with my husband, and often tell him about my young high school days being introduced to jazz from Dr. Hay's stories with CMU's Studio Twelve. I wish I could have shared this story with him before he passed.

Bob Hays served as a great mentor to me in my early days at Central Michigan University. He was a great talent and a wonderful human being. We are all better people having known Bob!

I have great memories of my conversations with Bob. He was such a sweet and gentle man and so very smart and talented. Sylvia, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I have sweet memories of Bob working on the boat at Payette Lake.

God's blessings to all the family,

Betty Wilson, Cedar Creek Lake, Texas

Thanks Doc