Sammy Sultan Interviews: Justin Hayward (Full Interview)

In this first instalment of our spanking new celebrity-based interview series, Sammy interviews Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues.
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[@sashaflorence229]

It’s now November 2021, I’m a little late than all of you. My husband and I got even closer listening and going to the Moody Blues concerts, some with full orchestra and some by themselves up close. I stared at Justin each concert and clapped so hard I lost the emerald stone from my ring my husband gave me. We love their music. It takes us to a different world. Wish we all can live forever and stay young to keep enjoying their music. Forever Moody Blues lovers we are!! 💜💜

[@KennethDonnellyStargazer21]

I always loved the cosmic tint and general poetic beauty of life reflected in their music, so humane and understanding.

[@wlodell]

Well said. I understand what you mean having had my own life long experience of listening and enjoying the music of the Moody Blues and having the opportunity (and privilege) of attending two concerts, first in 1972 Baltimore Maryland and second in 2013 Seattle Washington.

[@trock6577]

The world has been blessed by Justin’s talent and humble personality for 55 years. What a gift to the world his music has been.

[@asymptoticspatula]

I just love Justin Hayward. Such a humble, kind, patient, and most of all, REAL, person. He's a treasure and I'll always be a huge fan of the guy.

[@robertastone7155]

Absolutely SPOT ON!!!!

[@BetKev13]

Our Earth Dilemma is that we can never really Know, from where those wonderful future Inspirations will emerge, from anywhere on Earth! At now 70 years old, I can only hope to provide my 2 pennys worth of a Butterfly's Sneeze just to encourage any young child on Earth to please try, and don't quit trying.

[@corsomagenta]

Perfectly stated! He is a genuine gentleman and a near musical genious IMO

[@johnpolitis9060]

Justin Twoward here is a parody of Justin Hayward.

[@nancylewis9723]

you described him perfectly.

[@LFOVCF]

Finally, an intelligent interviewer! You got the most from this amazing man. Thank you Justin for sharing so much.

[@cygnusx-1318]

What a lovely, modest, intelligent man.

[@lovelifetothefull1]

Justin Hayward , a class act. Total legend. A genuine person and one I would love to meet.

[@asimplesong1]

I have been very fortunate to have met Justin on many occasions and your comment is absolutely correct - certainly the nicest, approachable, most humble and genuine man in the world of music. He has certainly enriched my life from the early 60's to the present day.

[@soalflat]

This is one of the best interviews with Justin Hayward that I have ever seen. He was comfortable and really shared his thoughts. As a long time fan, I know he has been asked some questions over and over and has worked out the answer, but he usually seems to have more that he would say. What I appreciated most, Sammy, was that you didn't fawn over him, you didn't talk over him, and you let him express his thoughts. Great job! Continued good luck on your series! Look forward to more.

[@gork830]

The thing that always impresses me about Hayward is his modesty. It comes though in his music too. He never seems to have ego issues, unlike many rock and roll stars past and present. How someone possessed of so many talents (songwriting, guitar virtuoso, superb vocalist) is so low-key and down to earth is amazing indeed.

[@asymptoticspatula]

Not to mention he's very handsome and I'm sure he could have lived that debauched rock and roll lifestyle, but here he is decades later still married to the same woman, still a great family man, etc.

[@luruddy4047]

YES; And that is why I love him so much! Because of the way he loves his wife and daughter and grandson.

[@johnries5593]

He is equally unassuming on stage. He may well be the least assuming front man in the history of Rock and Roll.

[@stringdoc]

One of the best songwriters and performers ever. Even more importantly, Justin is always a gentleman, who seems genuine and free of the insecure egotism that so often afflicts musical superstars. Rock on, Justin!

[@doctormong1]

The MBs are one of the greatest bands of all time in my humble opinion.

[@sharonallison9922]

Steven Conlon THEY ARE THE BEST....ALWAYS WILL BE.

[@whisperingeagle]

@@sharonallison9922 gosh sharon. I think you like the moody blues as much as i have over the years. It seems when i go to comment on a post that i like there you are. Do you ever feel like the moody blues has this Camelot spiritual connection with us. Its like nights at the round table.

[@mikesolomon481]

Terrific informative interview with one of THE GREATEST musicians of the 20th/21st century. Justin Hayward's combined talent of songrwriting, arranging, lead and backing vocals, acousitc and electric guitar work is simply astounding to me. He has been a HUGE influence on many including myself. He is SO grounded , articulate and humble....a rarity in the music & entertainment business.

[@Dhunatmik]

Incredible man who has brought us incredible music. Have been a fan since 1967.. truly, truly my life has been enriched by this beautiful soul.

[@4amazinggrace]

Not even sure how I stumbled upon this interview, but absolutely one of the most honest, transparent I've ever seen by any celebrity. Justin is a gifted musician and remains among my favorites. Kudos to Mr. Sultan for asking sensible questions that obviously were moving for Justin. He seemed to enjoy this sentimental journey!

[@debradireen3625]

Justin is gorgeous in every way I love hearing him speak which he does beautifully

[@cosmoscarl4332]

When I was a young man I wanted to be like Hayward. Still do. What a great guy.

[@walterforsyth1414]

It is almost as great a pleasure to listen to Justin talk as to listen to his wonderful transcendent music.

[@donnasn]

what a sweet, sweet down to earth lovely classy man Justin is...so sincere- just love him..a truly wonderful interview...thank you for posting it!

[@Howiesangel45]

I've watched this before...just watched it again! And it won't be the last time coz I love to listen to Justin speak.

[@donaldfilbert4832]

Justin Hayward is absolutely my number 1 hero. There are some colossal people on this planet these days - and Justin is one of them !!

[@LaurieBlue14]

Such a very nice, honest and sincere interviewer AND interviewee! One of the best I've seen.

[@rosarioreside3327]

The way I look at him , yes he is no doubt of it!and he is my contemporary born same year 1946.Thanks for sharing this beautiful interview!

[@joannesousa3265]

A great insight into one of my favorite singers. Justin Hayward is truly a gentleman as well as being tremendously talented.

[@janerothrock7416]

I loved this interview of Justin and the interviewer asked the best questions. It just flowed.

[@christinecrader1132]

I saw Justin tonight Clearwater Florida , his solo act ... Tonight I must say his beautiful voice sending chills down my spine .. loving his music from way back with the Moodies a Class act me a fellow Brit soon to return to my roots will always look back to this era of beautiful music , Justin reigns supreme !!

[@BetsyKishlansky]

Wonderful interview with Justin. Very respectful without being patronizing. You let him speak and explain his thoughts fully. Thank you so much for this. Betsy K

[@jackarcher7495]

An exceptionally good interviewer. Mr. Sultan was very well prepared.

[@katiesueda4761]

AGREED loved the "favorites" at the end!

[@Toppitmanilikeit]

This young man Sammy Sultan, really asked some great insightful questions, which, you can clearly sense Justin enjoyed answering. You can sense the mutual respect. I have seen interviews with Justin previously in which you get an underlying feeling that our hero is just going through the motions and is rather bored by it all Not this time and it was great to see. Good luck with the new album Justin, I for one will buying it as I have done so often, with all the others, over the last 43 years! MH

[@westwindsailer]

I go back and watch this interview time to time, good stuff! Thank you!

[@1DansBlues]

Much on the lines of Louis' comments, Justin has such a calming voice, soft spoken and down to earth. I too thought Sammy's questions were spot on. Its nice hearing those tidbit of information that encompass Justin's life both musically and home life...he is simply an amazing person. What a fantastic interview.

[@FrancisMaxino]

Days Of Future Passed is one of the greatest, ground-breaking albums in history. It is such a shame that Justin can't collect appropriate royalties for his fabulous songs/intellectual property.

[@John-ip3xm]

Why isn't getting royalties for the " Magnificent Seven" albums? Did he sign away his rights or did he owe a debt? Those albums sold the most. Please, enlighten me on this matter. Can the decision be reversed in a court of law?

[@1951re]

It is refreshing to hear a interview with someone as successful as he is and find he is a very pleasant down to earth person.

[@uncatila]

long may Justin flourish and bless us with his music and verse

[@MaggieShawn]

Lovely to see you, Justin! Fabulous interview! Thank you for asking him such insightful and intelligent questions! A real treat for an Justin Hayward fan! (and I am!!)

[@WmGood]

Great interview! The Moody Blues have been very popular in the states. They still pack them in. They've evolved since the 60's but they seem to have always been down to earth and level headed. Their talent goes without saying. It's refreshing to listen to Justin describe things. He's so intellegent and articulate.

[@johnsmiley2922]

A humble musical genius......amazing guy

[@dannymeyer3256]

john smiley Amazed he mentioned Buddy Holly.

[@veganaise2383]

In 1978 arriving in London from New Zealand and hearing "Forever Autumn" I thought and still do - that Justin Hayward was the sexiest man alive.

[@marathonfortruth4768]

Me too. I went out and bought that 45 so fast. Still have it. And it is a prized possession.

[@montgomerydenzer8805]

YOU know whats cool- he actually looks the person he is talking to IN THE EYE like a REAL PERSON very rare these days

[@roberturban2560]

+Montgomery Denzer you are 100% correct

[@robertlake9098]

This shows that Justin is a down to earth person-not a snob.

[@patriotsdesign]

Justin, as well as the whole Moody Blues, are pure class!

[@deborahklinlger8565]

Great interview, very informative & respectful. Love Justin, so down to earth. Humble & modest. A very intelligent man hard to find in today's rock & roll music.

[@patriciaworley292]

An excellent interview and very informative. I've always admired Justin's talent and his down to earth honesty. So rare in his profession. Love this video.

[@lynnshaw2365]

I really enjoyed the interview & what a lovely talented man Justin is & very down to earth. My hubby & I love the Moody Blues.

[@robertastone7155]

Spot on! I LOVE him and everything he and the MB;s ever did - will ALWAYS be my very favorite!

[@sendfield3155]

Justin is truly a lovely man with the most generous spirit. Sammy asked great questions that we all wanted to know and the setting was beautiful! Great production in all... I look forward to future Sultan/Endfield productions.

[@Guitargurrrl]

Just found this. Lovely! So nicely done. A wonderful presentation of Justin Hayward, the Moodies, a musical tour through decades, and the times I've lived in.

[@fayprivate7975]

I love the Moody Blues. Justin’s voice is filled with emotion, which is very appealing.

[@justinshannon9076]

WONDERFUL interview! The best I have had the pleasure to watch. I was named after Justin, and he is really my hero, so this was an absolute joy to watch. Thanks, Sammy!

[@jaychapter6819]

Justin is a great artist

[@roberturban2560]

+jay chapter that's an understatement... he is a fantastic songwriter and performer ..also he writes squeaky cleans lyrics which is nice

[@seisen410]

very good interview. Justin is very down-to-earth. A dying breed in rock and roll.

[@sarahking4647]

This is such a great interview. Pertinent questions, and unlike some interviewers, Sammy actually listens and allows Justin to speak! Love Justin; my all time favourite singer/songwriter 😍

[@JustinHayward-su1ww]

Thank you so much for love and support

[@debradireen3625]

Great interview I love to hear Justin speak lovely man

[@timepoet77]

@SammySultanShow Thanks for interviewing this great, humble yet wise musician, the legendary Justin Hayward. Our world needs more heroes like JH more than ever.

[@The_Soundrops]

a humble interviewer and a humble artist - you don't often get such a combination these days... watching this was a very uplifting experience... the future passed still continues luckily

[@LeeChavezMusic]

Great interview with Justin! He seems like a very nice person. Thank you for organizing the interview, and uploading it!

[@briangraham1024]

'Forever Autumn' is a beautiful and poignant masterpiece that transends time. Thank you Justin.

[@swimp_stew_pawpaw1006]

Such a humble man and such a huge talent...unusual combination.

[@The15secondsOfame]

Appreciate the well thoughtout interview, with such a talented artist. A jewel. Well done. In my opinion,The Moody Blues were ahead of their time. Thier harmonizing, lyrics and richness of sound is captivating. Justin's candid discussion was truly enlightening. To me, he will always be, my medieval minstrel...my irresistable troubadour. Thank you, Sammy.

[@kevinmorrell-cm7fe]

Been a Moody's fan and bought almost all your records I'm 64 my father was a johnny ray fan his hit was cry cry cry. Wow Justin my father as well is up there in heaven as well. God bless you bringing back some great memories.

[@patsghost]

He's an English gentleman through and through. It may be good that the Moodies never became celebrities.

[@blahdeblah1975]

They both are. What a treat.

[@ItaliaVin]

I agree. It makes him and them more special that didn't go the way of celebrities and were more esoteric.

[@patriciaelg1464]

Lovely interview. There was never a boring moment. Justin is my favorite singer/songwriter. I listen to him every day.

[@BlueFireGypsy]

Thank you so much, Justin and Sammy, for such a wonderful interview. What a great start to your series, Sammy. You couldn't have chosen a better subject! Justin, thank you for being so forthcoming; you have already given so much of your heart and soul through your music, but we are always grateful for a different insight. Great job, guys! :)

[@blanchehorst9734]

Revelations that continue to engage a year after the interview ... candor, accessibility, and comfortableness shine. Enjoyed replaying the easygoing exchange, a testament to Sammy's preparedness and homework which, in turn, engendered a rare and lovely rapport. The perfect prelude to last year's release of Spirits of the Western Sky!

[@pubinger]

How wonderful that he's 'enamored' of the American spirit - we Americans are enamored of you, Mr. Hayward!

[@thomaskowalcky4553]

Great interview - loved it. Just found it today 1/10/2022!

[@Frankcastlepunisher74]

Justin is an amazing musician! Thankfully his parents understood his talent!

[@patriciabransford8416]

The Moody Blues are the greatest group of musicians and song writers/singers, and performers EVER!!! I have known the Moody Blues since I was eight years old(1969) and still their biggest fan! In my humble opinion.

[@robertastone7155]

Patricia - I also feel EXACTLY the way you do! They are the BEST forever - no one can match them. I've always loved them way, way back and never will there be anyone like them and their beautiful music. I will be seeing Justin Hayward on October 14 in Orlando (Orlando Plaza Live) to pay tribute to this wonderful man. (He also was so very easy on the eyes - especially when he was young)!

[@patriciabransford8416]

@@robertastone7155 miss Roberta, I have been a fan of Justin Hayward and the Moody Blues since I was 8 years old in 1969. I am going to be 61 in Dec. I have followed all their careers and listen to ONLY THEIR MUSIC MY ENTIRE LIFE!! I consider myself to be their biggest fan. Oct. 14 is Justin's 75 birthday. I would love to go to his show, but I don't have the funds to get seats. If you know any one with extra ticket and wouldn't mind taking along another fan .I would be forever honored and greatful!!

[@tristanblaskowitz_legacy]

A very deep and personal interview with interesting questions and not the usual stuff. Thank you!

[@hadoenough]

God put musicians like Justin on the planet to make people happy.

[@gregmiller6007]

most insightful interview, candor, modesty, it's all here, well done both of you. I get the impression Justin really appreciated the flow of the interview, the well thought out line of questioning, not the typical surface-level he's used to dealing with

[@andydavidson5253]

A musical genius with no equal. Every album caused the other groups to lament: Oh no. How can we top this?!?

[@rkamitchis]

Justin Hayward and co. got me through many a cold night helping build the trans Alaska pipeline. A heartfelt thanks for the beautiful, soulful music. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame indeed!

[@mscottbice]

Great interview. I've seen so many where the interviewer isn't prepared and Sammy did a great job. Many times Justin has evaded many of the questions asked. I've been waiting for years to hear him talk about the Lonnie Donegan contract and to hear him say he's still angry is pretty strong. As for the Rock HOF. Remember that they did no interviews when they were on top of the world and Jann Wenner (Rolling Stone) was just starting his magazine and probably still holds a grudge.

[@Wambligleshga]

This IS a special interview. Sammy did a little magic somehow as Justin certainly seems more comfortable or 'present' than while doing other talks. Thanks Sam, MoodyJill and "fsrio" for subscribing to my site and thus guiding me thru Jill to this interview.

[@jagdpanther1944]

Justin hayward's Wiltshire accent comes out when he relaxes

[@les91745]

Great job Sammy. You couldn't have picked a better person to interview!

[@aiames]

Interesting what he says about Buddy Holly. I always thought he had more influence on the first British bands than any other American musician.

[@billhayes6765]

legend of a guy, I was inspired to become a musician by their tunes, what a great interview, loved it

[@blave549]

GREAT JOB. JH is one of my heroes. Thanks!

[@SammySultanShow]

Thanks guys for all the lovely comments! Makes it all worthwhile that you the fans appreciate it. Keep subscribing for up and coming interviews. We have musicians, comedians and sports-people in the pipeline! Much love Ian and Sammy x

[@stevengore578]

What a fantastic interview. Justin, you have been my music hero since my English teacher introduced me to your music when I was just 12 years old. Thank you.

[@praveenaahuja754]

Hayward is the one of the BEST SONGWRITERS of the 20th and 21st century!Very relaxed interview. I am definitely going to see the Moody Blues perform this year....my life's mission accomplished!

[@davidcarney1949]

He has a lot of gratitude

[@sedonasong]

Wonderful interview, Sammy..I have never seen Justin so relaxed and as others have said, you asked so many insightful questions that revealed Justin's true persona. He is such a gentleman and you both seemed to complement each other. Thank you for sharing this awesome interview with our idol, Justin Hayward. Justin, I love, love, LOVE your new album, "Spirits of the Western Sky"..just bought it on iTunes today..so far, "In Your Blue Eyes" is my favorite.. :)

[@stevendavid5370]

Awesome interview. Big Moody Blues Fan. Fantastic music.

[@roserandle6392]

Absolutely wonderful interview with a wonderful man. Humble, kind and honest. Thank you for sharing 🙂😊.

[@MinnesotaNice64]

This was absolutely fantastic! Thank you for putting this up. You both were so at ease and so comfortable, it was just a joy to watch and listen to

[@jazzander5314]

When you think that you have a pretty thorough knowledge of the history of the Band and each member, you find in fact, that you don't. It has a lot to do with intelligent interviewers who have done their proper research about the person's life and art can create a sort of aura that we are welcomed into. If they have done this, the whole thing is magic...

[@MrHairyNeck]

An incredible talent. Thanks for uploading.

[@RobertZarywacz]

Superb interview, Sammy. Having seen and read many interviews with Justin Hayward where he is asked the same questions, your approach is really refreshing. 50 minutes was too short! Thanks very much!

[@blahdeblah1975]

Great interview, great subject.

[@TheAmtwhite]

I think this is a great interview!!

[@khloudzjia]

...are you sitting comfortably mr Justin Hayward ....I see you are.... great job Sammy, what a feast to my eyes and ears. thank you so much...

[@johnparnell8571]

A terrific interview of the truly wonderful Justin Hayward, by a host who asked intelligent questions without any fawning and was rewarded with fascinating responses. To have asked about the contract he signed as a teenager, and the subsequent enormous financial impact of it, was a brave thing for any interviewer to broach, but was answered with humble candour.

[@thomassteenburg7220]

FANTASTIC INTERVIEW - much respect for Justin Hayward- just watched a John Lodge interview also FANTASTIC - you guys exhibit such class - the BEATLES AND MOODYS my favorite BRIT bands- seen MOODYS in person - concert in Detroit - LOVED IT-grew up listening to Beatles and Moodys and all the incredible music that came out of the 60/70's- fantastic time for all forms of music.

[@sa65cn1]

This is a really great interview, thanks for posting. I love the Moody Blues and this was a very informative peice.

[@julieraymond482]

Intelligent interviewers are also a dying breed.With all the technology we have now,most people cannot carry on a conversation like this with anyone,without texting,tweeting,etc.Back in the '70's and '80's ,all this electronic stuff was not around yet,and you had to know how to carry on a decent conversation. Still applies,although there are some who do not want to.

[@marymagness7467]

I sooo love Justin Hayward ❤️

[@patguitare]

Such a fantastic interview! Thank you for posting this...Big Moodies fan here since I first heard 'Days of Future Past' as a teenager in the early 70s.

[@Dicedude]

gork57 - totally agree! He's very down-to-earth and intimate. Look at the songs he's written - my favourite is In Your Wildest Dreams. Justin is also spot on about The Beatles. It was like a "knowingness" (I know there's no such word! lol) that The Beatles had broken away from anything that came before. "Love Me Do" may sound a bit silly or immature now, but back in 1962 it was extremely revolutionary. The Beatles WERE the leaders - anything they put out would be the new direction for EVERYbody. And they changed not just music but culture itself. Before them, you had to have a perfect accent (it's called RP nowadays - Received Pronunciation) to be taken at all seriously. Well, here were 4 kids from Liverpool with their Liverpudlian accents totally dominating British life. To give The Beatles kudos as Justin does is likewise indicative of how humble he is. A great interview - both interviewer and interviewee.

[@terryburns4866]

The best concert I ever saw was the Moody Blues with the Chattanooga Festival Orchestra in Chattanooga, TN.

[@MoodyJill]

Excellent interview!