His father worked at the Bureau of Engraving and played trombone in the Elks Club marching band.
The Swingmasters were one of several early groups that helped promote the study and performance of jazz at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Hughes played in a three-piece tenor trombone section with Powell and Henry Coker until September 1957, when he decided to take a break from touring in order to help raise his family.
During this hiatus, Hughes worked for the United States Postal Service and played trombone at the Howard Theater as well as with some small groups in Washington.
[1] He retired from the band in September 2010,[3] stating he wanted to spend more time with his wife Dolores, whom he married on July 6, 1952.