Jimmy Hughes
Jimmy J. Hughes is an American singer known for his contributions to rhythm and blues, and soul music, particularly during the 1960s. He was born on February 3, 1938, in Leighton, Alabama. His musical journey began in his childhood when he joined a local gospel group called the Singing Clouds, through which he developed his vocal talent while also engaging in various jobs, including work at Robbins Music Company in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Hughes transitioned from gospel to secular music during the 1960s, and he became closely associated with the FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, a hub for R&B and soul music at the time. His breakout hit, "Steal Away," recorded at FAME, became a signature song and helped to establish the studio as a prominent location for R&B artists.
Over his career, Hughes was active primarily throughout the 1960s and 1970s, releasing several singles and albums that showcased his distinctive tenor voice and emotive style. His career not only highlighted his individual artistry but also contributed to the broader development of soul music during this pivotal period in American music history.
While his commercial successes were concentrated in the mid-1960s, Jimmy Hughes remains a respected figure in the soul genre, recognized for his early contributions and the lasting impact of his work on the soul music landscape.
Something Special
Written-By – B. Davis, G. Gordy, Hunter
2:49
A2 Let 'Em Down Baby
Written-By – D. Porter, H. Banks, I. Hayes
2:36
A3 I'm So Glad
Written-By – Chalmers, Rhodes
2:55
A4 Lay It On The Line
Written-By – Chalmers, Rhodes
2:31
A5 Sweet Things You Do
Written-By – A. Isbell, B. T. Jones, E. Floyd
2:17
B1 Chains Of Love
Written-By – M. Davis
3:13
B2 I'm Not Ashamed To Beg Or Plead
Written-By – A. Isbell, E. Floyd
2:53
B3 It's All Up To You
Written-By – Jimmy Holiday
3:01
B4 Lock Me Up
Written-By – H. Banks, R. Jackson
1:29
B5 What Side Of The Door
Written-By – I. Hayes, D. Porter
2:56
B6 Peeped Around Yonder's Bend
Written-By – H. Banks, R. Jackson
2:31
Label: Volt – VOS 6003
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Sixties Soul, Southern Soul
Jimmy Hughes' Something Special (1969) is a highly-regarded Southern Soul album, considered by many critics and fans as his finest work, showcasing his powerful, heartfelt vocals, gritty blues, country soul fusion with Muscle Shoals/Stax musicians (Booker T, Isaac Hayes), featuring standout tracks like "I Like Everything About You," and cementing his legacy as a pioneer despite not achieving major hits, praised for its raw emotion and excellent instrumentation.
Hughes blended blues, R&B, and country, often called the "father of Southern Soul" for his early Steal Away sound, and Something Special captures this blend masterfully.
His vocals are consistently described as needy, longing, and full of heartbreak, perfectly conveying the pain and frustration in his lyrics.
The album features top-tier session players, including members of Booker T. & the M.G.'s and Isaac Hayes, delivering tight grooves, fat horns, and earthy guitars.
Standout Tracks:- "I Like Everything About You": A slow, country-soul ballad with powerful vocals; "I'm So Glad": A hard-socking romper with massive horns and sitar; "Lay It On the Line": A greasy, funky soul jam; "Chains of Love": Shows a Motown influence with its clavinet and tambourine; "Neighbor, Neighbor": A frustrated, angry tune showcasing his versatile delivery.
Fans and reviewers find the title fitting, calling it outstanding, even without big hits. Many feel Hughes was overlooked, with Something Special and his complete Volt recordings (on Something Extra Special) revealing a goldmine of soul that deserved more attention. The album is praised for its consistent quality, showcasing strong songwriting and credible, powerful performances.
In essence, Something Special is a must-have for Southern Soul fans, celebrating a unique voice and influential sound that defined the genre.
Steal Away
Written-By – Dan Penn, Rick Hall 2:19
A2 There Is Something On Your Mind
Written-By – Cecil McNeely 3:03
A3 A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues
Written-By – Terry Thompson 2:16
A4 Neighbour, Neighbour
Written-By – Huey Meaux 2:56
A5 Everybody Let's Dance
Written-By – Rick Hall 2:28
A6 Steal Away
Written-By – Jimmy Hughes 2:25
B1 Try Me
Written-By – James Brown 2:33
B2 I'm Gonna Rise Again
Written-By – Joe South 2:17
B3 I Tried To Tell You
Written-By – Dan Penn 2:26
B4 I'm Getting Better
Written-By – William Bruce 2:00
B5 Stormy Monday Blues
Written-By – T-Bone Walker 3:04
B6 I Want Justice
Written-By – Oscar Franck 2:13
Label: Vee Jay Records – VJLP-1102
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1964
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Sixties Soul, Southern Soul
Jimmy Hughes' 1964 album, Steal Away, is a landmark Southern Soul release, celebrated for its raw emotion, heartfelt lyrics, and introduction of Muscle Shoals' sound, featuring the iconic, gospel-infused title track and showcasing Hughes' powerful, versatile voice and the era's authentic rhythm section, though its impact was lessened by distribution issues, making reissues highly valued for R&B fans.
The gospel-infused title track "Steal Away" is a timeless classic, known for its building arrangement, urgent drums, organ, and Hughes' emotionally powerful, hopeful vocal.
It helped establish the Fame Records sound and served as a prototype for Southern Soul, influencing later greats like Al Green.
The album uniquely features Fame Records' first great rhythm section, many of whom soon moved to Nashville, adding to its historical significance.
Hughes' voice is praised for its versatility, ranging from rowdy to deeply soulful, expressing vulnerability and charm.
The original mono mix preserves the authentic feel, with production by Rick Hall that stands the test of time.
Due to distributor Vee-Jay's collapse, original copies were scarce, making the album a collector's item and cementing its status as a must-have for soul enthusiasts.
Steal Away isn't just an album; it's a crucial piece of soul music history, capturing a specific moment in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with a voice and sound that defined a genre, even if Hughes didn't achieve the sustained superstardom of some peers.