Owen Mays - Home

This site is here to preserve the memory and music of Owen Mays, who passed away on July 22, 2015. To read articles, hear music, or watch videos, you can hover and click through the navigation menu. You may also browse through the social media links.

A hardcore country music traditionalist, Owen Mays is a true throwback to the roots of American hillbilly and honky tonk music. Passionate about history, and in love with the sound of a bygone era, Mays works hard to preserve the musical traditions he loves, while leaving his own mark on the world of country music.

Born on November 1st, 1982 in Columbus, Wisconsin, and raised in the nearby community of Cambria, Mays began playing guitar in his late teens, playing in various short lived bands. Over the years music went on the back burner, while working various jobs, including a stint in the world of professional wrestling. In 2007, Mays began traveling, writing, and busking to support himself, which lead to the recording and self release of the “Red Wine and White Lines EP” in 2009.

The exposure gained from Mays' self released EP, as well as tracks featured on various compilation discs, and a heavy touring schedule lead to the 2012 release of "Nobody Loves You When You're Down" on Solitary Records. This was followed up by the 2014 release of "Hateful Blues" on Maybest Records.

"The still beating heart of traditional country music."
- Jody Robbins - Moon Runners Country

"Heartfelt, country, traditionalist."
- James Hunnicutt - Singer/Songwriter

"Owen Mays is about as straight forward as good bourbon. Raw, real, and from the heart. Check him out!"
- J.B. Beverley - J.B. Beverley & The Wayward Drifters

Photo by Rory Amber Thompson