Hayward Sherman Bishop Jr., age 71, of Old Hickory, TN passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at the Veterans Hospital in Nashville following a year-long illness.
Born and raised in Norfolk, VA, he graduated Norview High School in 1964, served in the United States Air Force 1965-68, and married Donna Milloway in 1969 (divorced in 1979). After his honorable discharge in 1968, he began working at American (music recording studio) in Memphis, TN.
After moving to Nashville in 1972, he spent the 1970’s and 1980’s building an impressive studio recording resume as a drummer recording with artists including Perry Como, Carl Perkins, Brenda Lee, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Julie Andrews, Slim Pickens, Jerry Reed, Wilson Pickett, Dianne Warwick, Chet Atkins, Bobby Blue Bland, Earl Scruggs Review, Ronnie Milsap, Charley Pride, and Bill Medley, with songwriting legends such as Mickey Newberry and Roger Miller, and with groups such as Alabama, The Grass Roots, Nashville Brass, The Box Tops, and members of The Kingston Trio.
He also played drums for many TV shows and also for soundtracks for movies, commercials, and TV specials. Awards received include gold, single platinum, double platinum, triple platinum, and quadruple platinum records and a Grammy in 1983 for the best instrumentation on a record for Alabama’s The Closer You Get album. In the years following, he continued his passion for music by digitally restoring and remastering sound recordings in his studio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hayward Sherman Bishop Sr. and Evelyn Watson Bishop of Norfolk, VA.
Hayward leaves his daughter, Amy Bishop Kyker; two grandchildren, Julia Kyker and Lauren Kyker; and sister, Arden Gentle.
A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Tulip Grove Baptist Church, 563 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN 37138 with Pastor Gerald Bontrager officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons International by visiting www2.gideons.org/donate.
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Travis Turk
My sincere condolences to the family for our loss. He was a gentle, likeable soul. Hayward and I reconnected last year after a long professional friendship since 1973. We shared a love of quality recording of music. We talked endlessly about “the good old days” when we were recording the early years of Rock and Roll. I will miss my dear friend.
Spig Davis
I will miss you Hayward. MY prayers for your daughter and family. You are missed..
Kathleen Jones
Hayward grew up in Norfolk, Va. (Foxhall) with my brother George Jones. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. He was one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. God be with his daughter, granddaughters and sister Arden.
Bob Jones
My condolences to Hayward’s family and friends. He was a childhood friend in Fox Hall, Norfolk, VA.
John McKinney
Wow! All of these years later, I just read about Hayward dying. I once met him in a lounge circuit . I will never forget how humble this man was about his great talent. I always remind myself to emulate his attitude toward being humble, God Bless you Hayward