Jimmy J. Hughes (February 3, 1938 – May 20, 2026) was an American rhythm and blues singer, whose biggest successes in the mid-1960s, notably his hit "Steal Away", were important in the early development of the Muscle Shoals music industry.

Hughes, a cousin of Percy Sledge, was already a lead singer in the local church choir at the age of eight. He was a member of several gospel groups before meeting R&B producer Rick Hall in 1962 and being signed to his label, FAME Records. The singles "I'm Qualified" and "Everybody Let's Dance" were released in 1963, but went largely unnoticed.

His breakthrough came in 1964 with the blues ballad "Steal Away," written by Hughes himself, which reached number two on the R&B charts and number 17 on the pop charts. The song established FAME's reputation as an R&B mecca. A minor hit followed with "Try Me," a cover version of the 1958 James Brown song. After a few unsuccessful singles, Hughes had another major hit in 1966 with the uncharacteristically uptempo number "Neighbor, Neighbor." The song reached number four on the R&B charts. "I Worship the Ground You Walk On" later made it into the R&B Top 30.

In 1967, "Why Not Tonight," a single from the album of the same name, was released. This pleading soul ballad, characterized by Hughes' signature intense, tearful vocal style, reached number five on the R&B charts. Following this, the singer parted ways with Hall and recorded an album with Volt Records. The track "I Like Everything About You" reached number 21 on the R&B charts in 1968, but further commercial success eluded him. Hughes continued to perform occasionally until the mid-1970s, when he retired from the music business and began working for the nuclear industry.

He died on May 20, 2026, in Leighton.

Jimmy Hughes - Why Not Tonight

Jimmy Hughes - Steal Away