In 1986 Hayes along with Clark Datchler (singer/keyboardist/guitarist) and Mike Nocito (guitarist/bassist) formed the Anglo-American pop/rock band Johnny Hates Jazz (Hayes and Datchler had previously been in a band Hot Club together). The new group’s first single was “Me and My Foolish Heart”, released in 1986.
Later that year they were signed with Virgin Records and in early 1988 they released their debut album Turn Back the Clock. The album entered the UK charts at the number 1 spot, quickly achieving double platinum sales status. In the US, the album reached number 56 on the Billboard Hot 200 album charts.
