Over the last couple of years, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to interview young Southern Gospel artists for our Southern Gospel Forward Podcast/Livestream. Our genre is blessed with an abundance of talented young people, and one of today’s most talented young artists is Kennedy Hayes of the Mylon Hayes Family. Kennedy is a fan favorite not only for her amazing vocal talent, but also for the way that she represents the Lord with poise, class, and integrity. Her kindness and warmth is enduring to fans of all ages. I recently had a conversation with Kennedy, and I thoroughly enjoyed leading her through a time of questions and answers that I know our readers will enjoy as well:
Scott Bouldin: You grew up in the Hayes Family legacy — when did you first feel this ministry was truly your calling?
Kennedy Hayes: I didn’t know how to answer this question when people would ask me for a very long time because you’re right, Gospel Music has been my life for as long as I can remember. I can honestly say that it wasn’t until I was about 18 that it changed from just being something that I loved to becoming a calling on my life. I was graduating from high school, and for the first time I had to really decide what I wanted to do with my life. At that time, it became abundantly clear that the Lord had placed this desire in my heart to sing Gospel Music, and I could not be more grateful that He allows me to live out my calling!
SB: How have your parents or other mentors shaped you on and off stage?
KH: My parents are the most faithful people I know. I’ve watched my Dad for my entire life be the guy who “wears all the hats” on and off stage, and he never complains. He also has had little to no recognition when it comes to how long he’s been out here doing this, but he has literally dedicated his life to this music. I just think he’s the best. My Mom has stood by my Dad’s side since before she was ever on the stage. Whether it was babysitting all the kids on the Hayes family bus, or helping my Dad load in/load out sound equipment, or keeping him awake while he drives the bus, she has supported him 100%. She’s also the biggest people person I know. Everywhere we go, everyone wants to talk to her! She loves through her singing, and through her words, from the stage to the product table.
SB: What moments stand out as cherished memories from your ministry so far?
KH: Many moments come to mind, but the most special ones to me aren’t necessarily the “big” moments. I cherish memories like getting to sit and talk to Geraldine Ragan, sitting beside Jeanne Johnson for a Gospel Music Hymn Sing, an encouraging word from Judy Hess, and SO many others! Those are the moments that stick out to me the most and have made more of an impact on me than anything else!
SB: As a young artist in Southern Gospel, a genre with such a rich history, how do you balance honoring tradition with bringing your own fresh perspective to the music?
KH: I love this question! I’m “team” old and new! I think Southern Gospel is the best music in the world. With the rich heritage we have from people like the Happy Goodman Family, the Cathedrals, the Speer family, and so many others, I think it is SO important that we don’t throw out what they spent their lives investing in. With that said, I believe that it’s also equally important to improve and incorporate modern elements that weren’t available before. To me, pairing those two things is necessary!
SB: Tell us how “Overwhelming” came to be, and if you’ve written more since.
KH: I wrote “Overwhelming” in April of 2020, right at the beginning of the shut down. It came out of a conversation I had with a good friend where we were just reflecting on God’s goodness to us, even in the midst of probably THE most uncertain and scary times in our lives. At the end of the conversation I said, “God is so good to me, it’s overwhelming.” Within 15 minutes I had pinned nearly the entire lyric of the song and sang it into my phone. It was almost as if I already knew it in my heart. It was kind of my family’s “anthem” throughout that season of our lives, so we recorded it a few months later and have sung it nearly every night since!
I haven’t done any more writing on my own, but I had the chance to do some co-writing with Rebecca and Logan Peck, who are actually family to me! They are some of the most gifted writers in our genre, and I would say that even if they weren’t my cousins! I hope to write more songs in the future!
SB: What do you hope audiences take away from songs like “The Witness Stand”?
KH: This is one of my favorite songs we’ve ever sung. I remember feeling slightly intimidated when we first started singing it because the message of the song holds so much weight to it. It paints a picture through the lyric of a courtroom setting, and explains so beautifully exactly what Jesus did for us. We close nearly every concert with this song, and there’s a lyric video to go along with it that closes with “JESUS” in all caps on the screen. I love that the last word that people are left with is ‘Jesus,’ because it truly is all about Him, and for Him!”
SB: At concerts, I have noticed how young people, especially younger ladies, are drawn to you at the product table. Can you speak to what it means to you to have the younger generation of fans look to you as a mentor and example?
KH: There are so many elements that I love about what I get to do, but I think this is my favorite. I was once that little girl who was giddy and excited to meet and hear my favorite artists in this genre, and I will never forget the ones who took the time to speak to me and make me feel important. THAT is what drew my heart into this music in the first place, and it is what sets us apart from all other genres. I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to hopefully give back to the next generation what those people poured into me at such a young age, and I do not take it lightly.
SB: As a young Southern Gospel artist, what is your vision for your personal ministry over the next 5–10 years? How would you like to impact Southern Gospel music in the years to come?
KH: I hope that in every aspect people will see that we give 100%. From the way we dress to the music we sing, I hope the time and effort is evident — that we try to give our very best. So, I hope that over the next 5 years…10 years…20 years…people see the same core values while we are always striving to improve!
SB: Without revealing any top secrets, can you share with us what’s on the horizon for The Mylon Hayes Family in the months to come?
KH: We have new MHF music! Our new album “Sing His Praise!” is packed full of classic songs from the past, with a fresh take, that will hopefully bend your ear and make you want to sing along! This album has been nearly two years in the making, so I could not be more excited to FINALLY share it. Also, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to go to London, England and Northern Ireland this November with the Gospel Music Hymn Sing Tour! Many exciting things are coming in 2025, so stay tuned!
I want to thank Kennedy for her willingness to be a part of our first issue of The Gospel Music Roadshow. You can stay connected with the Mylon Hayes Family by following them on Facebook, Instagram and Bandsintown, and you can find their tour schedule and online store at www.themylonhayesfamily.com. You can also stream all of their music on your favorite streaming services. Until next time, join me in cheering on Kennedy and all of today’s young artists as they carry Southern Gospel Forward…
