Rodney Hayden's debut album The Real Thing was released in 2001 and Hayden immediately drew comparisons with the style of George Jones and Merle Haggard. The album had a startling depth of maturity, and under the guidance of Robert Earl Keen's guitarist Rich Brotherton some stellar veterans of Haggard and Cash recordings were brought together for the album.
Five years and a couple of albums on and Rodney Hayden has still to enjoy the public awareness his music demands. His Down The Road release of 2007 is set to gain many more new fans for this talented Texan.