About this Artist

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Perry V. Hayes has spent more than four decades shaping the musical landscape of his city. His journey began at age six with piano lessons and quickly expanded into singing, conducting, and performing in school ensembles. By seventeen, he was already directing his first church choir, a moment that set the tone for a lifetime of musical leadership. Hayes’ career has taken him from local sanctuaries to some of the world’s most celebrated stages. He has collaborated with artists such as Barry Manilow, Wynton Marsalis, and Dianne Reeves, and toured with the Pacific Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. His performances have brought him to Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and concert halls across Europe and Japan. A longtime member of the Spirit Chorale of Los Angeles, Hayes has recorded four albums and completed three European tours with the ensemble. He also led The United Male Chorus of Los Angeles for thirteen years, earning a 2014 commendation from the City of Los Angeles for his contributions to the community’s musical life. Hayes returned to academia later in his career, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Music/Vocal Performance in 2017 and his Master of Arts in Music in 2023. His first solo album, Dedication, was released in 2019. Today, Hayes continues to inspire singers and audiences as Director of Music at First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach and as a choir instructor at the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center. He lives in Los Angeles with his spouse, Raymond Benevides, and enjoys tennis, architecture, gardening, and interior design.