Many people are familiar with country music musician Hunter Hayes because of his numerous Grammy nominations and accolades, but many may be unaware that he was a child prodigy who began his career at the age of two!
Hunter was four years old when he began appearing on television and performing on stages across the United States with music giants. At the age of seven, he was singing and playing accordion for President Clinton at the White House! His career took off from there, thanks to his incredible talents and work ethic.
When Hunter was four, he stepped out on stage in front of 200,000 people in Lafayette, Louisiana, to perform with Hank Williams Jr.
When Hank asks what he wants to do with his accordion, the lovely little man replies in the cutest southern accent, “I, uh, want to do something called Jambalaya.”
Perhaps the crowd wasn’t expecting much from the little boy, but they soon found out that a genuine star was in their midst. Most kids would be more concerned with playing with trucks in the dirt at this age, but not Hunter!
Hank Jr. performed and sang along with him before telling the audience, “Those 14- and 15-year-olds in this profession better watch out, ’cause here comes the 4-year-old.”
Hank Jr.’s words were definitely both accurate and prophetic; Hunter went on to achieve huge commercial success as a songwriter and instrumentalist. He currently plays over thirty instruments. Now that’s talent!
Watch below to see the moment when the world first got to know this amazing kid, and don’t forget to share to spread the love of music!