Lancelot Hayward

One of Bermuda’s most celebrated musicians, Lance Hayward achieved success locally and overseas. 

Blind since infancy, he was raised in a musical home, where he taught himself to play the piano and later studied classical piano with Joseph Richards.

Striking out as a professional musician, he formed the Hayward and Hayward Vocal Ensemble, and appeared at venues all over Bermuda. During a five-year stint performing winters at Jamaica’s Half Moon Hotel, he made the first recording for the now famous label, Island Records.

He built an enviable reputation, as a solo pianist, combo leader, voice coach, musicians’ mentor and accompanist of choice for visiting entertainers.

In 1966, frustrated by limited work opportunities, he moved to New York.  He found steady work at the Village Corner in Greenwich Village, playing solo piano and winning a new set of fans. 

When he died in 1991, his obituary was carried in the New York Times—an indication of his status in the New York music scene.