World By The Tail

The Bill Hayes Story

In this documentary narrated by Bill himself along with his friends, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks and the cast of Days of our Lives, get a glimpse of what it’s really like for a seasoned entertainer and all the ups and downs that go along with it.

ABOUT The Film

Legendary singer, actor, and dancer Bill Hayes has been entertaining viewers since the 1940’s.  Remembered as the handsome crooner on Your Show of Shows and the heartthrob Doug Williams on day time’s number one soap opera Days of Our Lives.  Bill has led a fascinating life.  Leading man to legendary actresses, Shirley Jones, Florence Henderson and the great Carol Lawrence are just some of the memorable moments in Bills life.  And don’t forget, it was Bill Hayes’s version of The Ballad of Davy Crockett that topped the Billboard charts and garnished the Best Record of the Year from Dick Clark.

In this documentary narrated by Bill himself along with his friends, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks and the cast of Days of our Lives, get a glimpse of what it’s really like for a seasoned entertainer and all the ups and downs that go along with it.  Born during the great depression, Bill always loved to sing.  Taking his ill brother’s place for an audition of Roger and Hammerstein’s Carousel, Bill found himself thrown into the world of entertainment.  Realizing his talent, Producer Max Liebman chose Bill to be the singing star of Your Show of Shows.  Along with Sid Caesar and Imagine Coca, Your Show of Shows was the biggest thing on TV to-date. This role led Bill to Broadway where he starred in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Me and Juliet. Being a great the great talent that Bill is, Gower Champion hired him to star in the national tour of Bye Bye Birdie.  Causing a strain on his marriage, ultimately leading to his divorce in the late 60’s, Bill took his children west to start a life in Hollywood.  Quickly Bill was snatched up by Days of our Lives where he met his new glamorous wife Susan Seaforth.  The two revolutionized daytime soaps ultimately leading to the cover of Time Magazine.

At 91 years old, Bill Hayes is still going strong.  When he isn’t telling stories about his 19 great grandchildren, you can find him leading a tap dancing class, or singing with his church choir. Yes, you can still catch him from time to time on Days of our Lives.  Bill loves entertaining but if you ask him what life is all about, he will tell you family.