Nancy Hays has been singing jazz since she recorded her first vinyl record as vocalist for the Champaign Central High School award winning jazz band in Illinois. Since then, she has performed the Great American Songbook and jazz standards on three critically acclaimed solo albums Simply Classic, Big Band Countryand Bring Back the Romance of Dance, the latter performed live at the legendary Willowbrook Ballroom (a venue that hosted jazz greats Count Basie, Benny Goodman and others), accompanied by the Bobby Benson Orchestra. 

In Chicago, Nancy Hays has worked at a variety of iconic jazz venues including The Pump Room, Gold Star Sardine Bar, Le Piano, The Palm Court at the Drake and others. She also headlined her own show with the 26 piece Johnny Haig Orchestra at Caesar's Palace Circus Maximus Showroom in Las Vegas. Throughout her career, Nancy has opened for many celebrities, including jazz great Tony Bennett. More recently, Nancy has been the featured vocalist for Lush Life Jazz, appearing at Wine Styles in Geneva and other venues. Nancy Hays & Lush Life Jazz will make its Bourbon Street New Orleans debut at the Royal Sonesta Jazz Showroom in 2025.