Biography
Rhetta Hughes (June 15, 1939 – June 3, 2019) was born in Dallas, Texas, where she sang in a Baptist church choir from a young age but initially pursued nursing, working at Parkland Memorial Hospital. Her career pivot came in 1963 after an impromptu performance at a Dallas club where her friend Tennyson Stephens played piano, leading to her hiring as a lounge singer. Spotted by Al Williams of the Four Step Brothers, she and Stephens moved to the Chicago nightclub circuit, marking her entry into professional music.
Fun Facts
- Discovered by Bill Cosby at the Redd Foxx Club in Los Angeles, leading to her signing with his Tetragrammaton Records and her biggest hit 'Light My Fire,' a soul cover of the Doors' rock song that peaked at #36 on the Billboard R&B chart.
- Earned a gold record for her uncredited session vocals on Roberta Flack's 1974 #1 hit 'Feel Like Makin' Love.'
- Performed in the Netherlands for years, including leading roles in Bubbling Brown Sugar (1993) and The Glory of Gospel (1996), and appeared on their cast albums.
- Toured with Harry Belafonte on a six-month North American tour in 1974 and an eight-month global tour in 1976 after impressing him during her Broadway run in Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Tennyson Stephens - Close friend and pianist who accompanied her early performances and co-featured on debut album (Introducing An Electrifying New Star (1965)) [1963-1965]
Key Collaborators
- Tennyson Stephens - Pianist and duo partner in early career, featured on debut album (Introducing An Electrifying New Star (Columbia Records, 1965)) [1963-1965]
- Bill Cosby - Discovered her act and signed her to his label Tetragrammaton Records (You're Doing It With Her (1968), Light My Fire (1969), Re-Light My Fire (1969)) [1968-1969]
- Harry Belafonte - Recruited her as second vocalist for North American (1974) and global (1976) tours after seeing her on Broadway (Belafonte tours) [1974-1976]
- Melvin Van Peebles - Cast her in film and Broadway musical (Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971), Don't Play Us Cheap (1972 Broadway, 1973 film)) [1971-1973]
Connection Network
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External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
rhetta hughes has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 26, 2026 | 21:50 | you're doing it with her when it should be with me | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri |