Jake Hughes

Jake Hughes, born Jacob L. Hughes to Pastor Odell and Linda Hughes, is a native of Racine, Wisconsin. His passion for performing arts, began at an early age with gospel music. This compelled him to get involved in his church’s youth choir. Acknowledging his talent, his parents encouraged him to participate in church plays, leading to his interest in theatre. These interests would eventually blossom into an on-going profession throughout his life.

In 1995, Jake was recruited for the Indiana State Singing and Music Association called I.S.S.M.A. where he held a 1st place winning streak for four years at state in the Opera & Classical portion of the vocal competition.

In 1996, Jake became a member of the Urban league at the Charles Martin Youth Center in South Bend, Indiana; Jake was given the opportunity to work with a local playwright. He obtained the lead roles in "American Association of Oppressed Minorities," and "Marching in a Different Direction." These plays encouraged him to pursue more roles in theater. In high school, Jake participated in "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "Once Upon a Mistress," as well as a starring role in "Les Miserables" and "Bye-Bye Birdie."

Jake received a scholarship to Interlochen Arts Camp in 1997, a leading music arts camp in the U.S. where he took voice lessons from Jeffrey Norris, a leading opera teacher. After training intensely, he began singing with world-renown choirs; participating in musical theater projects in camps, such as Gilbert and Sullivan Productions, "HMS Pinafore," and "Iolanthic". As an opera contestant in the NAACP A.C.T.S.O. competition, he stole first place for youth targeting opera, gospel, oratory speaking, science, art and poetry.

In August, 2000, Jake received a 4-year scholarship to Indiana University. Unsurprisingly, he majored in music and for four years, participated in the prestigious singing group, I.U. Soul Revue. I.U. Soul Revue doubled as a vocal performing group, and a course that taught the origin of African American music. This group consisted of former notable members such as Goldie & Kevon Edmonds (Babyface Edmond’s brother) of After 7. While with Soul Revue, he traveled the country performing hits from R&B Soul legends such as the O'jays, Frankie Beverly & Maze, the Stylistics, the Chi-lites, the Emotions, the Supremes, En Vogue, and the Temptations. During his college career, Jake also participated in the musical, "Little Shop of Horrors."

Recent accomplishments include, in 2007, co-starring in the highly acclaimed inspirational Northwestern Indiana musical, "My Mama Prayed & Prayed & Prayed, See What God Can Do!"

Jake Hughes is currently in pursuit of a full time music career.