Bill Hughes (musician) facts for kids

William Henry Hughes (born March 28, 1930 – died January 14, 2018) was an American jazz musician. He was a talented trombonist and a bandleader. Bill Hughes spent most of his amazing career playing with the famous Count Basie Orchestra. He even became the director of this band until 2010.

Bill Hughes: A Jazz Legend

Early Life and Musical Start

Bill Hughes was born in Dallas, Texas. When he was nine years old, his family moved to Washington, D.C. His father worked at the Bureau of Engraving, which prints money. His dad also played the trombone in a marching band, which likely inspired young Bill.

Bill started playing the trombone when he was about twelve or thirteen. By the time he was sixteen, he was already performing jazz music in Washington. He played at places like the 7T Club with other musicians, including saxophonist Frank Wess.

College and Career Dreams

Bill Hughes and Frank Wess both studied at Howard University. They played together in a band called the Howard Swingmasters. This group, along with others, helped encourage the study of jazz music at colleges for Black students.

Even though Bill loved music, he first wanted to be a pharmacist. He finished pharmacy school in 1952. After that, he started working at the National Institutes of Health, which is a big medical research center.

Joining the Count Basie Orchestra

Bill's career plans changed in 1953. His friend Frank Wess, who was already in the Count Basie Orchestra, suggested Bill join the band. Bill also had an offer to join the Duke Ellington Orchestra, another famous jazz group.

But in September 1953, Bill decided to join the Basie band. He already knew some of the musicians there, like Frank Wess and Benny Powell. Bill played the tenor trombone in a section with two other trombonists.

A Break and a Return

In 1957, Bill took a break from touring with the band. He wanted to spend more time helping to raise his family. During this time, he worked for the United States Postal Service. He also played trombone at the Howard Theatre and with smaller music groups in Washington.

Bill returned to the Count Basie Orchestra in 1963. A few years later, he switched from playing the tenor trombone to the bass trombone. The bass trombone is a larger instrument that plays lower notes.

Leading the Band and Retirement

In 2003, Bill Hughes took over as the leader of the Count Basie Orchestra. He led the band for several years, continuing its legacy of great jazz music.

Bill retired from the band in September 2010. He said he wanted to spend more time with his wife, Dolores. They had been married since July 6, 1952. Bill spent his last years living in Staten Island, New York, with his wife and their three children.

Bill Hughes's Music

Bill Hughes played on many recordings with the Count Basie Orchestra. He helped create the sound of many classic jazz albums. He also recorded with other artists like Joe Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Sarah Vaughan.