Joseph Lawrence Haymes, born on February 10, 1907, in Marshfield, Missouri, was an influential American jazz bandleader and arranger. After moving to Springfield, Missouri, following the death of his father, Haymes attended Greenwood Laboratory School and played drums in the local Boy Scout Band, later learning piano. He began his higher education at Drury College in 1926 but left in 1928 to work as an arranger for Ted Weems, where he crafted the hit "Piccolo Pete" and helped establish a jazz-informed style for the orchestra.

In 1930, Haymes formed his own band in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and continued writing arrangements for Weems. By 1932, he had relocated to New York City, where his orchestra became one of the top dance bands, known for jazz novelties. However, in late 1933, he sold the band to Buddy Rogers. Haymes formed another band in 1934 with arranger Spud Murphy's help, but after Tommy Dorsey split from his brother Jimmy in 1935, Dorsey took over Haymes's group. Haymes continued to form bands, including one that recorded for ARC from 1935 to 1937.

Throughout the 1940s, Haymes worked as a freelance arranger for various bands and studios, including a stint with Les Brown in 1938. He served briefly in the U.S. Army during World War II and later arranged for Hollywood studios and Lawrence Welk's television show. Despite his talent for assembling top-notch bands, Haymes struggled with the business side of the music industry, often selling his bands to others.

Haymes never married and passed away from heart failure on July 10, 1964, in Dallas, Texas. He is buried in his hometown of Marshfield, Missouri. His work left a lasting impact on the jazz and big band scenes, with notable musicians like Johnny Mince and Pee Wee Erwin having played in his orchestras.