Obit: Bobby Hayes (1937-2014)

Subject: Obit: Bobby Hayes
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 02 Oct 14 - 12:03 PM

There was a notice in today's paper of the passing of Bobby Hayes. He was well known in Arkansas and a popular performer at Shakey's and the Leather Bottle as well as other local establishments. Among other places he played were the Bayou Room in New Orleans and Stardust in Las Vegas. Bob lived and worked mostly in the Little Rock area but came to Mountain View frequently and joined in many of the local music sessions.

Bobby was born in Texas and met Jimmy Driftwood in California. Jimmy encouraged him to move to Arkansas. The article mentioned that memorials be made to Alzheimer's Arkansas so I suspect that he was suffering from that disease in his later years.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Hayes
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 04 Oct 14 - 01:07 PM

I am wondering whether anyone has any more details to add to those that Arkie has thoughtfully supplied. To have just 2 responses seems sad....

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Hayes
From: maeve
Date: 04 Oct 14 - 10:14 PM

His obituary is available:
*********************************
Obituary for Bobby Hayes
"Bobby J. Hayes, 77, of North Little Rock passed away September 29, 2014. He was born May 6, 1937 in Bonham, Texas to the late Edward and Oreta Jewell Goin Hayes.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Karen Hayes, of North Little Rock; and his son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Sally Hayes, of Troutman, North Carolina.
He served his country as a Corpsman in the United States Navy. He quit his last daytime job September 6, 1963 as a cab driver in Santa Monica, California and became a career musician. He met Jimmy Driftwood at UCLA and Jimmy invited him to Arkansas where he settled. Bobby played with a group called the Rivermen that later became The Deep Water Reunion. He played the Bayou Room in New Orleans, were Jimmy Buffett was the following act, the Stardust in Las Vegas, and the Show Boat in St. Paul, Minnesota. He played a solo act at the Leather Bottle, Shakey's Pizza Parlor, Shug's, and Cajun's Wharf in the Little Rock area. Bob loved motorcycles, airplanes and was a private pilot. He was an avid walker and participated in many races.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.
A reception/visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, October 6, 2014 at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home...

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bobby Hayes please visit our Sympathy Store."
http://www.northlittlerockfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Bobby-Hayes/#!/Obituary

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Hayes
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 05 Oct 14 - 06:50 AM

Thanks Maeve, That's very helpful. I was not able to find much on the web about him although he seems to be well thought of.

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Hayes
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 05 Oct 14 - 12:21 PM

I knew him as "Bob" rather than "Bobby" but the obituary used the later. I don't know how active he was in recent years. Back in the 1960s and 70s he was certainly well known in the Little Rock area. I do not know how much work he did outside of Arkansas. I knew him because we were at many of the same music sessions here in Mountain View. He even had a house here in the county and was regarded highly here. I thought he might be remembered by some catters.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Hayes
From: maeve
Date: 05 Oct 14 - 01:16 PM

Give it some time, Arkie. I'm sure other catters will be by with recollections. Quite a few folks who used to be here often are here less often.

One thought- if there are specific catters whom you suspect knew Mr. Hayes, you might send them a PM to let them know this thread is here.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Hayes
From: maeve
Date: 05 Oct 14 - 02:00 PM

Arkie, is this the right Bob Hayes?

Bob and Bud pickin and grinnin part 1


Bob and Bud pickin and grinnin part 2

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Hayes
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 05 Oct 14 - 09:00 PM

Maeve, you have the right Bob Hayes. Bud Bell lives in Little Rock but was the Music Director at the Ozark Folk Center for a while. He is also a fine musician and entertainer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Hayes
From: maeve
Date: 05 Oct 14 - 09:01 PM

Good, Arkie. I'll see if I can find anything else that would be suitable.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Hayes (1937-2014)
From: GUEST,Richard
Date: 17 Aug 21 - 04:07 PM

Bobby Hayes was a fixture on the deck at Cajun's Wharf every Friday and had a very loyal following from many people such as myself who had followed him since the old days at Shakey's Pizza. He was one of the best bar acts ever to hit Little Rock.