Haydn Vitera
HAYDN VITERA, the first-born son of a rice farmer from Texas and an opera singer from Mexico, began studying classical piano at age five and classical violin at age eight. For the next several years he performed in countless recitals and contests, honing his instrumental skills and developing his knowledge of music theory. At age fourteen he discovered the guitar, learning some basics from his mother and then teaching himself to play rock and roll on her forty-year-old gut string.
In 1992, Haydn moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas where he performed with the UT Symphony Orchestra.
In 1996, Haydn left the University to pursue his music career full-time. He played the Texas dancehall circuit until March of 1997, when he landed a job with Columbia recording artist Rick Trevino. For the next three years he played fiddle, guitar, and sang backup in Trevino's road band performing all over the United States and Canada.
In 2002, Haydn joined the Grammy-winning Asleep at the Wheel and toured the U.S. and Europe, performing on the Grand Ole Opry twice and joining the band at the 2005 Grammy Awards. He also appeared as a featured artist alongside country legends Dolly Parton and Vince Gill on Ray Benson’s CMT pilot "Stars Over Texas" in March of 2003.
In April of 2005, Haydn left the Wheel to record his debut album. Since releasing his self-produced, self-titled debut in March of 2006, Haydn has blazed a trail through the Texas music scene, showcasing his live performance at the 2006 SXSW Music Festival, winning the 2007 Burger King "Tu Ciudad, Tu Musica" competition in Pasadena, and receiving nominations for Best Male Vocalist and Best Austin Artist in the 2007 Univision "Premios de Tejas."