Minnesota Musician Hardy White Signs First Record Deal at 57

The lifelong singer-songwriter is releasing his debut single after over four decades in the music industry.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the weathered, textured surface of an acoustic guitar, capturing the rugged, hardworking spirit of a lifelong musician through dramatic studio lighting and abstract, high-contrast composition.The worn, textured surface of Hardy White's guitar reflects the decades of dedication and perseverance that led to his first record deal at age 57.Mahtomedi Today

After 43 years of playing guitar, writing songs, and performing as a backup musician, 57-year-old Minnesota native Hardy White has finally signed his first record deal with Hygh Tension Records and Virgin Music Group. White, who has raised eight children with his wife of over 30 years, is excited to release his debut single "What Dem Cowboys Say" and perform at this year's Minnesota State Fair.

Why it matters

White's story is an inspiring example of perseverance and the power of never giving up on your dreams, no matter your age. His journey to his first record deal after over four decades in the music business shows that it's never too late to achieve success, especially in the creative arts.

The details

White, who has been waking up as early as 3 a.m. to work on his music, has been playing guitar, writing songs, and performing as a backup musician for other artists for the past 43 years. He is now releasing his debut single "What Dem Cowboys Say," which he says represents his personality and style that blends rock, country, and R&B. White will be celebrating the release of his first song with a party on April 3 in Mahtomedi, where he will be signing autographs and performing.

  • White has been working in the music industry for 43 years.
  • White recently signed his first record deal with Hygh Tension Records and Virgin Music Group.
  • White's debut single "What Dem Cowboys Say" will be released on April 3, 2026.
  • White plans to perform at the Minnesota State Fair later this year.

The players

Hardy White

A 57-year-old Minnesota-based singer-songwriter who has just signed his first record deal after over four decades in the music industry.

Hygh Tension Records

The record label that has signed Hardy White to his first record deal.

Virgin Music Group

The music group that has partnered with Hygh Tension Records to release Hardy White's debut single.

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What they’re saying

“I think it takes that dedication. If I want you to invest in me and invest your time, if you come to my show, I'm going to make you tired by watching me.”

— Hardy White, Musician

“Being around all these artists has prepared me for this journey of my own, 43 years later.”

— Hardy White, Musician

“I'm blown away, especially when you work for something so hard and seems like it's never going to come. Am I going to be a construction worker for the rest of my life? Which is good, because it provided for my family, helped send my kids to college.”

— Hardy White, Musician

“I think my grandkids are my no. 1 fans.”

— Hardy White, Musician

“What Dem Cowboys Say," that's my swag, that's my, you know, that's my thing. It represents my personality, about how we don't turn the other cheek. Don't like a liar, can't stand a thief.”

— Hardy White, Musician

What’s next

White will be hosting a release party for his debut single "What Dem Cowboys Say" on April 3, 2026 in Mahtomedi, where he will be signing autographs and performing the new song. He also plans to perform at the Minnesota State Fair later this year.

The takeaway

Hardy White's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that it's never too late to achieve your dreams. After over four decades in the music industry, his first record deal at age 57 shows that with dedication and passion, success can come at any stage of life.