Detroit Gospel Artist Turns a Difficult Season Into a Powerful Testimony of Faith, Perseverance, and God’s Unseen Work

Gospel recording artist, vocalist, songwriter, composer, producer, and minister of music Ellen Hayes releases her deeply personal new single, “Behind My Eyes,” the title track from her upcoming project. Rooted in faith and shaped by one of the most challenging seasons of her life, the song offers an intimate reflection on suffering, obedience, perseverance, and the unwavering presence of God.

“Behind My Eyes” was written during a period when Ellen was facing tremendous stress and pressure while making difficult and, at times, unpopular decisions. Although she believed God had led her in those directions, following His guidance came with a significant personal cost.

“Suffering often seems manageable before it begins. But once you’re living through it, everything changes,” Ellen shares. “Through every difficult moment, God carried me. The years that followed strengthened me mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.”

Rather than simply documenting what others could see on the outside, “Behind My Eyes” reveals the deeper story taking place beneath the surface. For Ellen, the song became a personal testimony of the unseen work God was doing throughout her journey—a reminder that there can be an entire story behind what someone carries in silence.

“Behind My Eyes became my personal testimony—not only about what people could see, but about everything God was doing behind the scenes that no one else could fully understand,” she explains.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Ellen Hayes is the youngest of ten siblings in a deeply musical family. Music surrounded her from birth, and her late mother played a pivotal role in nurturing her early love for the piano. By the age of three, Ellen was already exploring melodies on the keys, and by sixteen, she knew she was called to music ministry.

In her early twenties, Ellen began recording music and directing the choir at her home church, then pastored by her late father, Pastor Charles Edison. Those formative experiences helped shape Ellen into the multifaceted artist she is today. Her work encompasses vocal performance, songwriting, composition, production, gospel recording, and ministry.

Now married and the proud mother of eight, Ellen has transformed her musical legacy into a family movement. Her previous release, “We Owe It All to You,” features the extraordinary talents of her children, niece, and nephews, who contributed through keys, background vocals, and lead vocals.

Ellen has also continued to champion the power of collective worship through her work recording her church choir. The resulting single “Another Chance,” released in January 2024, is a moving song centered on redemption, forgiveness, and gratitude. The release earned placement on the Billboard and Media-base Gospel charts, where it remained consistently within the Top 100, while also receiving glowing reviews, multiple awards, and the distinguished honor of inclusion in the GMWA National Songbook.

In 2025, Ellen expanded her catalog with the release of her debut holiday single, “Silent Night,” a soulful mother-and-son duet featuring her son Darryl Hayes Jr., professionally known as D.E.R.Y.L., whose R&B music is available across major digital platforms.

Now, with “Behind My Eyes,” Ellen enters another meaningful chapter of her musical journey. The single reflects the heart of an artist who has experienced difficult seasons firsthand and emerged with a deeper faith and an even stronger desire to encourage others through music.

Looking ahead, Ellen continues to build toward new music and ministry opportunities, including her upcoming album and future releases that further reflect her commitment to creating music that inspires, encourages, and transforms lives.

Despite her growing accomplishments, Ellen remains firmly rooted in her calling. She continues to serve as Minister of Music at The Word of Truth Baptist Church under the leadership of her uncle and godfather, Pastor Rufus Hayes.

With “Behind My Eyes,” Ellen Hayes invites listeners beyond the surface and into the story of a woman whose faith was tested, strengthened, and ultimately transformed through adversity. Her latest single stands as both a personal testimony and a message of hope for anyone walking through a season that others may not fully understand.