By Debbie Adams
Jaclyn Hayden graduated from William Byrd with the Class of 2010. During her high school
years, she played basketball and ran track. She was in theatre and choir throughout her years at
Byrd. She was a member of the Dogwood Court in 2010. She took voice lessons from Susan
Lewis and piano lessons from Wanda Melchers. She was also a lifeguard at the Vinton pool
every summer until she graduated from college.
Now the singer/songwriter/guitarist is about to begin a residency at the Ole Red in Las Vegas, a
music venue, restaurant, and country bar co-owned by renowned country singer Blake Shelton
and named after one of his hit songs.
Jaclyn Hayden is now performing at Ole Red Las Vegas. (photos courtesy of Jaclyn Hayden)
“A residency is similar to a tour, but it is several shows based out of one venue,” Hayden
explains. “My residency in Las Vegas is a monthly residency so I’ll be performing seven
consecutive nights every month. My band and I are very excited for this amazing opportunity!”
Hayden began her music career working as an intern for Walt Disney Entertainment in 2012.
“After my internship, I continued my studies at Liberty and graduated in 2015,” said Hayden.
Her degree was a Bachelor of Science in Worship and Music Studies with a specialization in
Artist Development and Songwriting.
“In 2016, I made the official move to Florida and rejoined Disney until I left in November
2021,” says Hayden. “While employed with Disney, I had the privilege of performing in various
character roles throughout Disney Entertainment. In addition to performing, I was also a Guest
Talent coordinator and a Festival Disney Events coordinator.
“After Disney, I pursued my music career full-time. I started off in the ‘Mighty Swell’ band led
by David Faulk and Sam Trawick. I was the female singer and truly enjoyed being part of such
an incredible band!
“As much as I enjoyed performing with Mighty Swell, I wanted to branch off and create my own
show/band. After months of rehearsals with Floyd McCollum (drummer and now road manager),
Mika Thompson (bass player), and Stephen Enoch (electric player), my first show was on
December 10, 2021, at Ole Red Orlando. My band has expanded over the years. I recently added
Landon Siebens on electric guitar. Ole Red Orlando gave me my first opportunity to showcase
my band and has been a huge stepping-stone in my career.
“My band and I had the privilege of opening the newest Ole Red on the Las Vegas strip! We
performed opening week in January, as well as during Super Bowl week. The experience was
incredible. Afterwards, we were offered a residency by General Manager Ryan Klaasen – which
we happily accepted.”
band performed grand opening week at Ole Red Las Vegas.
Hayden says the best thing about her life as a performer is “meeting so many awesome people.
Every night I am in front of a new crowd and get to connect with people from all over the
world.”
She plays guitar and piano and does most of her songwriting on the guitar. In 2020 she went to
Nashville and co-wrote her first single “Without You” with Lonestar’s Dean Sams.
“Lonestar performed at Disney’s Epcot stage,” Hayden says. “I was able to meet and speak with
Dean, who then offered to co-write/produce my first single!”
Her newest single is “All Over Again.”
“I’ve written a lot of songs but am now starting to release them one by one. Most of my songs
are based on true-life experiences. A lot of times I hear a certain melody in my head and can
write lyrics to it, even if I don’t have my guitar with me. Country music is about telling a story,
and I am finally ready to share mine.”
Her love for music started with southern gospel – she sang in churches as a child and youth.
While currently she sings mostly country music, she says her “roots are in southern gospel.”
Hayden’s parents still live in Vinton, along with some of her best friends from high school, Katie
Pennington, Samantha Hurt, Kasey Wimbush, Sara Landrum Walsh, and Ariel Rios. She says
they have stayed close over the years, even after she moved to Florida.
“If you had told me three years ago, I would be singing my own music on large stages under
bright lights, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’ve always believed in chasing your dreams, but
mine always seemed farfetched. Would I be good enough, pretty enough, young enough….
would people want to hear my music? If so, how do I make that happen? Being on stage was
something I was familiar with at Disney, but I was always performing as a different character. A
name, wig, and face that I could hide behind and be someone else. There were always criteria –
such as a certain look to maintain. At times, it was a lot of pressure. Now, it’s my career and
name people are showing up for. It’s my turn to perform as myself – a small-town girl from
Vinton, Va., for which I am truly thankful.”
(fifth from right) was a member of the Vinton Dogwood Court in 2010.
row, second from left) played basketball for William Byrd.
