Hunter Easton Hayes was born at Larniurg Hospital in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. He was born on September 9, 1991 to Lynette and Leo Hayes. He was homeschooled most of his life because he began touring at age eight. At the age of two, Hunter's grandmother gave him a toy accordian. This is when he began his musical career. At the age of four Hunter had been featured on many talk shows and on Nickelodeon. He also sang with Hank Williams Jr. in front of 200,000 fans (to see a video of his performance scroll to the bottom of this page). When Hunter was six he recieved his first guitar by Robert Duvall. When Hunter was very young his music was strongly influenced by Garth Brooks, LeAnn Rimes, and Clint Black. As he grew older, Hunter says his influences grew to include John Mayer, Michael Buble, Stevie Wonder, Keith Urban, the Beatles, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Hunter says these artists have all had a part in his development as a musician and songwriter. In 2008, Hunter moved to Nashville Tennessee and was signed with Universal Music Publishing Group. In 2010, Hunter was signed with Atlantic Records and began work on his self titled debut album. He has toured Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts, and is currently touring with Carrie Underwood in her Blown Away Tour. He also has sold out almost his entire "Most Wanted" tour. At the age of 21, Hunter is an accomplished songwriter, vocalist, accordion player, guitarist, mandolin player, drummer, keyboard player, bass guitarist, and pianist. Hunter has been on Good Morning America, the Late Show with David Letterman, and has been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. At the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards, Hunter recieved "New Artist of the Year" and won "Choice Male Country Artist" at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards. Hunter is currently nominated for three grammy awards. Hunter is currently focused on his career and at such a young age does not have a wife, but it still close with his family. The media has portrayed him in a postive light as a country sweetheart. He has not been featured having any trouble with the law or his private life. I agree with the media's portrayal because I believe he is a man devoted to his music and has not become cocky and blinded by his fame.