Freddie Hughes

Freddie Hughes voacalist and songwriter was born in Berkeley, California on August 20th 1943. He was probably singing right away. At age 5, Freddie often sang at church, where the congregation threw money on the stage in admiration of his fine singing ability. In 1958, he released his first his first 45’s with the Markeets on Melatone Records and continued with an impressive discography of five more 45’s and three albums.
Many influences on Freddie were Little Willie John, Aretha Franklin and Sam Cooke. As a young man he performed in Oakland’s historic club circuit at venues such as the “Showcase” (Don Barksdale owner), and sang with such notables as Marvin Holmes and the Uptights, Johnny Talbert’s de Thangs, Eddie Foster and the Premiers, Carl Lockett and The Natural Soul Band, Tha Ballards, The Whispers and James Levi.
Freddie’s impressive range and intricate melodies along with his sheer heart and soul make Freddie Hughes one of the Bay Areas best singers. Freddie has worked with Aretha Franklin, Ike and Tina Turner, James Brown and Etta James. For eight years Freddie sang with the Bobby Murray Band (Etta James’s guitarist/band leader) at Oaklands premier Blues Club, “The Fifth Amendment”.
Freddie has performed in venues, from the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area to New York as well as London, France, Italy, Switzerland and Holland.