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 was born on February 3, 1938. He is an American singer known for his rhythm and blues (R&B) music. His biggest hit, "Steal Away", was very important. It helped kickstart the famous music industry in Muscle Shoals, Alabama during the mid-1960s.

About Jimmy Hughes's Life

Early Life and Music Start

Jimmy Hughes grew up in Leighton, Alabama. This town is very close to the famous Muscle Shoals area. He is also a cousin of another well-known singer, Percy Sledge.

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

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

His Big Hit: "Steal Away"

In early 1964, Jimmy Hughes returned to Rick Hall's studio. He brought a powerful song he had written. It was called "Steal Away". This song was partly based on an old gospel tune.

He recorded "Steal Away" in just one try! The studio band played the music. This band later became known as the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. They included Terry Thompson on guitar and David Briggs on keyboards.

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

Because of Jimmy's success, Rick Hall made a deal. His FAME label would work with Vee-Jay Records. This meant Jimmy's music could reach even more people.

More Hits and Touring

Jimmy's next song, "Try Me," also did well. It reached number 65 on the Hot 100 chart. He then recorded his first album, also called Steal Away. This album was released by Vee-Jay Records. It included some of the first songs written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham together.

Jimmy also went on tour with other famous singers. He performed with stars like Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson.

Changes in His Career

After a few more songs, Vee-Jay Records faced problems. They started focusing on bands like The Beatles. Then, the company closed down. This meant Jimmy's next few singles were not as successful.

However, in 1966, things changed again. After Percy Sledge's hit "When a Man Loves a Woman", Rick Hall made a new deal. His FAME label would now work with Atlantic Records.

Jimmy Hughes had more chart success. His song "Neighbor, Neighbor" reached number 4 on the R&B chart. "I Worship the Ground You Walk On" hit number 25. "Why Not Tonight" reached number 5 on the R&B chart. Later, he moved directly to the Atlantic label. His song "It Ain't What You Got" reached number 43 on the R&B chart in 1968.

Moving to Stax Records and Retirement

In early 1968, Jimmy Hughes joined 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. But later songs were not as popular.

At this time, Stax Records was changing a lot. Jimmy felt like he was not getting enough attention. He also grew tired of touring and being away from his family. So, in 1970, he decided to stop recording and performing music.

Jimmy Hughes then started a new career. He trained for a government job. He worked making parts for nuclear power plants in the Tennessee River Valley. In later years, he only sang as part of his local church choir.

Many compilation albums of Jimmy Hughes's music have been released recently. These albums bring together his best songs for new listeners.

Jimmy Hughes's Music

Hit Singles

Here are some of Jimmy Hughes's songs that made it onto the music charts:

Albums Released

• Steal Away (Vee-Jay, 1965)
• Why Not Tonight? (Atco, 1967)
• Something Special (Volt, 1969)

See also

In Spanish: Jimmy Hughes para niños