There’s no doubt Walker Hayes has a gift when it comes to writing lyrics, but now he is ready to flex his writing muscles in a different way. Walker is celebrating the release of his very first book, Glad You’re Here, co-written alongside his friend, Craig Cooper.
LISTEN NOW: Walker Hayes and Craig Cooper discuss their book, Glad You’re Here
Craig is no stranger to Walker’s fans who know him from Walker’s moving song, “Craig,” and the “Be A Craig Foundation,” which promotes paying it forward. Though the new book, released May 3, fans will get to know him more, along with the positive impact he’s had on Walker’s life leading him to faith.
“I think God was super kind to me in the way he drew me to his son [Craig],” Walker told Y'd Awake with Maria and Kristen of their friendship. “I say that because I was just an angry, bitter person and especially toward Christianity. I had been hurt by some messengers in the past and just wanted nothing to do with that.”
Craig found a way to get through to Walker after showing great generosity and kindness gifting the Hayes family a minivan during a time of need. Walker tells the story in his song, “Craig” feat. MercyMe, which he released on his most recent project, Country Stuff The Album.
“We knew when they were struggling and needed help,” Craig explained. “We let them borrow our van when we went out of town… and we knew that helped, that really helped them. And so I started praying for the ability to give them our van.”
The Cooper family’s kindness spoke loudly to Walker and ended up uncovering a desire for him not only to seek the gospel, but also share it through his lyrics. “I think God orchestrated ‘Fancy Like,’ to get to this moment where I could have people to actually listen to this story of our friendship,” Walker said.
“This book, honestly I think this book and the Lord is why all this weird stuff lately in my career has happened that I wish I could say I’ve had something to do with but I didn’t.”
Walker and Craig’s book, Glad You’re Here, is available beginning May 3 and can be purchased here.
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