Fred Hughes truly went out in style with his final three 45 releases ("Baby Boy", a great remake of his '65 hit "Oo We Baby I Love You" and today's entry- his final single).
Fred's story is eerily similar to so many of our soul hero's- he began singing doo wop as a young man, and as musical tastes changed in the early sixties Fred was right there, cultivating a journeyman's voice that is the epitome of the soul sounds. Interestingly enough, Fred was born in Arkansas, moved to Compton, CA as a kid but recorded for two Chicago powerhouse labels (Vee Jay and Brunswick).
This track, recorded in Chicago with the legendary Carl Davis behind the board, is pure class. Fred delivers a jaw dropping performance over a hyper exciting track.
Where is Fred Hughes today?
from 1971...
FRED HUGHES - DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO US
Great singer. According to Wikipedia he's alive and living in Compton. W.
ReplyDeleteI read in the feedback of another blog, a member of his family described how he is these days, apparently he lost faith with the music industry and you could understand why when you are actually a first class artist turning out timeless classics. But they also said he was okay with it. Sorry but I can't locate the blog.
ReplyDeleteGreat tune , thanks for posting :o)
ReplyDeleteHeart ponding foot sliding masterpiece, Thanks
ReplyDeleteBaby Boy & I Understand (b-side of that Oo We Baby) are songs that get a good amount of play up here in Ottawa at my DJ gigs.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard this one before.
What a barn burner!! I wish you would do a dance party in Montreal sometime. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI would love to do DJ in Montreal, Michelle.
ReplyDelete