Hayden Burlingame

I am a guitarist born in Stillwater, Oklahoma. I grew up in Tulsa surrounded by musicians and music lovers. For my 15th birthday my Mom and Dad gave me my first guitar, an Epiphone acoustic. At the age of sixteen I started my first band, Wet Wool, and soon the band was playing most of the local high school parties. After flunking out of music school at OU, I returned home and started a band with friends from the University Of Tulsa; we called ourselves The Ushers.

The Ushers played college parties and local Tulsa nightclubs, even though I was underage. Soon The Ushers were one of the most popular bands in town. All of the band members quit their jobs, took out a loan, bought a bus, a P.A., and a lightshow, and hit the road. The first year we played 280 nights. We played in 18 states, but mainly played from Lincoln, Nebraska to St. Louis, Missouri, to Little Rock, Arkansas, to Dallas, Texas, and every place in between. We became one of the largest and most popular regional bands of our time. We released two independent records that were played on college and independent radio coast to coast. My song, "Golden Age of Radio" was used as the theme song to many independent radio shows. But after six years, the road took its toll on the band. The Ushers broke up. We remain friends to this day.

I returned home from the road and began studies at Rogers State College in the Leon McAuliffe school of music, where I earned a Degree in Contemporary Music. Studying for two years under guitar genius Eldon Shamblin was a dream come true for me. I took the place of Junior Brown teaching Lab bands, so I have the unique distinction of teaching rock band at the college level. During this time, Junior was the staff guitarist on a television show called Oklahoma Swinging Country. The show was broadcast in Nashville where I piqued the interest of several professionals, and was hired as guitarist and musical director for a radio conglomerate for all their live shows. This put me back on the road through the Midwest for another three years.

About this time, my wife and I welcomed our third child into the world and decided it was time for me to spend a little more time around the house. I started a new band called The Cactus Slayers. Also, during all of this playing, I played as a hired gun for any number of local and regional bands. The Cactus Slayers kept me extremely busy, averaging ten to fifteen nights a month for years.
As you can tell, I have played with several different bands, including The Ushers, The Cactus Slayers, and The Proud Country Plainsmen, I was an original member of Brian Parton and the Nashville Rebels, Tex Montana's Fireball Four, Route 66, Dave Barber and the Rocket Rangers, and many, many, many more.
During the 00's I played with The London Squares; a party rock powerhouse playing all around the region. Also during this time I started a recording studio and music production company. Indie Recording Studio and Sounds Creative Productions have given me the opportunity to work with some of the area's most talented musicians and songwriters. Most notable of late have been Noah Henson of Pillar, The Whitaker Sisters (American Idol finalist Alaina Whitaker) and the legendary Henry Rollins. I am proud to say that last year the album I produced for Albuquerque's Curio Cowboys climbed to #4 on the world-wide Western Swing charts. My Dad would be proud!

I thank God for the gift of music and the guideposts he has given me on this journey! Influenced by my grandfather, Boone Griffin, a Hall of Fame Fiddle player; my Uncle Johnny, a world class guitarist; and local legend and friend Steve Pryor. My other influences include, Mark Knopfler, Django Reinhardt, Scotty Moore, Charlie Parker, Dave Davies, Danny Gatton and Christopher Parkening. I am constantly inspired by my three daughters, my 2 grandsons and my greatest inspiration and muse: my beautiful wife Lisa.

Of course now I am playing with the most popular band around: The Fabulous Mid Life Crisis Band! It is an honor and a pleasure to work with such inspired musicians who love playing as much as I do. I will do my best to keep up with these guys and be worthy of the trust they have put in me. To sum up I am Hayden Burlingame, Guitarist, and I will be rocking out for your musical pleasure, so come out soon and dance your ass off !

Gear:
I have used different gear throughout my musical career. During the 70s :Gibson Les Paul and Lab series Amplifers, during the 80s: vintage Stratocasters and Marshall JCM 800 Amplifiers, during the 90s ; Custom Stratocasters and Michael Soldano designed, hand wired Yamaha T-50 Amplifiers. And finally, during the 00 s ; G&L Leo Fender signature ASAT guitars and Fender Hot Rod DeVille Amplifiers and Roland Multi Effects, and my Taylor 614 ce.