Episode 316 - “Back in Illinois”
by Nancy Hays & The Heffernans

Nancy Hays is a singer/songwriter originally from central Illinois, who has recorded five albums and made five tours of the UK with her original country music. Nancy also opened for country icons including Conway Twitty, Ronnie Milsap, Glen Campbell and many others. Nancy's maternal roots were rural farmers from the Midwest. Nancy's best friend growing up was one of nine children from a large farm family. Between performances on the road with her band, Nancy would visit her best friend, Connie Wise. Back in Illinois was written about her fond memories of times spent on the Wise farm and also her thoughts of home, especially when far away. Many years later, three of Nancy's four children began performing with her under the name Nancy Hays & The Heffernans (Nancy's husband is Sean Heffernan). Nancy's other son, Eddie, creates the family music videos. Nancy decided to record Back in Illinois, with her extended family. Matthew plays fiddle and sings harmony and daughters Mary and Caroline provide harmony vocals. The song made its radio debut on iHeart Radio in 2019. It is produced by Nashville based producer, Randy Gardner.

​

Find more of Nancy:

​

Twitter/Linkedin: @NancyHays

​

Facebook: Nancy Hays Official Music Page

​

Instagram: @nhaysent & @nancyhaysandtheheffernans

​

Websites: NancyHays.com, HeffernanTalent.com

​

Other credit: Thanks to wonderful Nashville based musicians including Nancy Gardner and Wanda Vick and to producer Randy Gardner. Thanks to Lance Houston and iHeart Radio in Chicago for playing our song (as well as this program) and to Ed Heffernan for our lyric video and to Edward and Connie Wise for inspiration!

​

A statement from Nancy:

"Back in Illinois is a song that I hope reminds others of their own hometown and country roots, recalling fond memories of loved ones, family and friends."

​

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​

Created during a time of quarantine in the global Coronavirus pandemic, A Moment Of Your Time’s mission is to provide a space for expression, collaboration, community and solidarity. In this time of isolation, we may have to be apart but let’s create together. 

​

Concept by Jenny Curtis

Theme music by Chris Porter

Follow Us:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter