Jimmy Hughes (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jimmy Hughes
Hughes, March 1967
Background information
Birth name	Jimmy J. Hughes
Born	(1938-02-03) February 3, 1938 (age 87) Temecula, California, United States
Genres	Rhythm and blues
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer-songwriter, artist
Instruments	Guitar, vocals
Years active	1962–1970
Labels	Guyden, Vee-Jay, Atlantic, Stax

Jimmy J. Hughes (born February 3, 1938) is an American singer. He was famous for his rhythm and blues music. His biggest hits in the mid-1960s, like "Steal Away", were very important. They helped start the music industry in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Jimmy Hughes was born and grew up in Leighton, Alabama. This town is close to Muscle Shoals. He is also a cousin of another famous singer, Percy Sledge.

When he was in high school, Jimmy sang in a gospel group called The Singing Clouds. In 1962, he tried out for a record producer named Rick Hall. Rick Hall had a studio called FAME Studios. Hall was impressed by Jimmy's voice.

First Recordings

Jimmy recorded a song called "I'm Qualified" with Rick Hall. This song was sent to the Guyden record label. But it did not become a hit song. After this, Jimmy went back to his job at a rubber factory. He also started singing R&B songs in local clubs.

Rise to Fame with "Steal Away"

In early 1964, Jimmy Hughes went back to Rick Hall. He had written a powerful song called "Steal Away". This song was partly based on an old gospel song. He recorded it in just one try. The studio musicians who played on the song were Terry Thompson (guitar), David Briggs (keyboards), Norbert Putnam (bass), and Jerry Carrigan (drums).

A Big Hit Song

Rick Hall and his friend Dan Penn helped promote "Steal Away". They played it for many radio stations in the southern United States. The song became a huge hit. It reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Many people say this song helped create the special "Muscle Shoals sound."

Because of Jimmy's success, Rick Hall made a deal with Vee-Jay Records. This company would help distribute music from Hall's FAME label across the country. Jimmy's next song, "Try Me", also did well. It reached number 65 on the Hot 100 chart.

First Album and Tours

Jimmy Hughes then recorded his first album, also called Steal Away. It was released on the Vee-Jay label. This album included some of the first songs written together by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham. Jimmy also went on tour with other famous singers like Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson.

Changing Record Labels

After a few more songs, Jimmy's next singles were not as successful. The Vee-Jay Records company started focusing on other popular bands like The Beatles. Then, Vee-Jay Records closed down.

Success with Atlantic Records

In 1966, after Percy Sledge had a big hit with "When a Man Loves a Woman", Rick Hall made a new deal. His FAME label would now work with Atlantic Records. Jimmy Hughes started having hits again. Songs like "Neighbor, Neighbor" and "Why Not Tonight" did very well on the R&B charts. Later, he moved to the Atlantic label itself.

Time at Stax Records

In early 1968, Jimmy Hughes moved to Stax Records. His songs were released on their Volt label. His first song for Volt, "I Like Everything About You", reached number 21 on the R&B chart. However, his later songs there were not as popular.

Jimmy felt that he was not getting enough attention at Stax Records. He also got tired of touring and being away from his family. So, in 1970, he decided to stop recording and performing music.

Life After Music

After leaving music, Jimmy Hughes went back to school. He got a job working for the government. He helped make parts for nuclear power plants. In later years, he only sang in his local church choir in Leighton.

You can still find Jimmy Hughes' music today. Several collections of his songs have been released recently.

Jimmy Hughes' Songs

Hit Singles

Albums Released

• Steal Away (1965)
• Why Not Tonight? (1967)
• Something Special (1969)