Jimmy Hughes

Soul Singer and Songwriter from the 1960s

US soul/rhythm & blues singer from Alabama, born April 25, 1935 or 38 (?) in Leighton, AL - died April 1, 1997. He first sang gospel as a member of The Singing Clouds in 1956, and sometimes with his cousin Percy Sledge. In 1962, his friend Bob Carl Bailey (ex-Singing Clouds) introduced him to Rick Hall. Hughes' 1964 single "Steal Away" (#17 Billboard Hot 100) helped established Fame Recording Studios as an R&B mecca. He also recorded the singles "Neighbor, Neighbor" (1966), "Try Me" (1964) and "Why Not Tonight?" (1967) at FAME. Signing with Volt in 1968, he recording 5 singles for the label, including a cover version of a 1966 Four Tops recording "I Like Everything About You" (1968), the Al Jackson Jr. produced "Let 'Em Down Baby" (1969) and "Just Ain't Strong As I Used To Be (You Done Fed Me Sumpin')" (1971) with the Hi Rhythm section. He gave up performing and recording altogether in 1971 securing a government job, and later retiring in Leighton, AL.