Hughes has carved a distinctive vocal style blending the finest elements of hard rock, soul and funk. That astonishing voice is Hughes' calling card. He's known as a singer's singer: in fact, Stevie Wonder once called Hughes his favorite white singer.
Hughes, a native of Cannock, England, absorbed all kinds of influences, including early British hard rock, the Beatles and, most importantly, American soul and R&B. The sleek Motown sound from Detroit and the gritty Stax/Volt sound from Memphis left their mark on him.
The first important band Hughes was a member of that achieved notable success was Trapeze, while in 1973 he joined one of the most popular bands in the world, Deep Purple. The trailblazing hard-rock legends had just weathered the departure of vocalist Ian Gillan and bass guitarist Roger Glover, but guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, keyboardist Jon Lord and drummer Ian Paice continued with the addition of Hughes and David Coverdale. Any skepticism was squelched with the 1974 release of Burn. This stunning album rejuvenated the band and stands tall among Deep Purple classics.
In the halcyon days, Purple headlined at the famous California Jam in 1974 in front of quarter of a million people. World tours via Purple's own jet plane, 'The Starship' and two more studio albums later, (the Hughes influenced Stormbringer and Come Taste the Band), Deep Purple finally split in 1976.
Now living in Los Angeles, Hughes' first solo album Play Me Out was released in 1977. He joined former Pat Travers guitarist Pat Thrall to form Hughes/Thrall, which released an acclaimed self-titled album in 1982. Throughout the '80s and '90s, Hughes made countless guest appearances (both credited and un-credited) as a vocalist, bass guitarist or songwriter on other artists' albums, in particular he appeared on the vastly underrated Seventh Star, was officially credited as 'Black Sabbath Featuring Tony Iommi'. Hughes and Iommi remained friends and in the past few years they have released one brand new studio album together.
More commercial recognition came when the KLF dubbed Hughes 'The Voice of Rock', proudly featuring him on their international best selling hit single America- What Time is Love'
Since 1992, Hughes has toured extensively in Europe, Japan and South America in support of solo albums such as Blues, From Now On..., Feel, Addiction, The Way It Is, Return Of Crystal Karma, Building The Machine, Songs In The Key Of Rock, Soul Mover and Music For The Divine.
Soul Mover saw the continuation of the successful creative partnership with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith that began with Glenn's live DVD Soulfully Live in the City of Angels (2004). Soul Mover was voted 12th best album of the year by highly influential UK magazine CLASSIC ROCK.
After the release of his album Music For The Divine in 2006, 2007 saw Hughes make successful tours of Russia, South America, Italy, Norway and Spain, along with solo dates in London - at the prestigious Shepherds Bush Empire - Bulgaria and Greece. 2007 also saw Hughes headline at festival appearances in France and Norway. Hughes also took part in the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp in New York, which was highly successful and he also appeared as a guest presenter at the Classic Rock Awards in both 2006 and 2007. Another highlight of a diverse and colorful year were the 2 sold out solo shows at the famous Whisky in Los Angeles and BB King's in New York.
2008 saw Hughes undertake another extensive European tour; including a month long trek across Russia, festival appearances, and his first live shows in Belarus, Estonia and Romania. Another highlight was Hughes' appearance in London at the Childline Charity concert in March 2008 where he performed a short set of Deep Purple classics with Purple drummer Ian Paice. This was particularly poignant as it was the first time the pair had played together since the Purple days. Ironically, in June 2008, Hughes played in Liverpool, England for the first time in over 30 years; a triumphant and emotional return to the city where Deep Purple Mark IV played their final ever concert before disbanding in 1976.
Other highlights of 2008 include Hughes' live on air performance on the USA radio show Rockline, and his first appearance in New Zealand since 1975 with Deep Purple, when Hughes brought the house down at the G-Taranaki Festival in July.
Hughes' album, the 2008 release "First Underground Nuclear Kitchen"
Chad Smith again plays out of his skin on the drums, and Hughes has rarely - if ever - sounded more inspired, written with such grace, or sung with more passion.
Another world jaunt accompanied the release, carrying on into 2009 with tours of Europe, Russia, South America and selected shows in the States including sell out shows in LA and NYC.
2010 was one of the most exciting and prolific years in Hughes' career as it saw him recording and touring in a new supergroup project, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION with guitar star Joe Bonamassa, keyboard player Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre) and drummer Jason Bonham, son of the late Led Zeppelin legend John Bonham. The band released their debut album on September 20th, 2010. The album went to #13 in the Official UK Album Chart and #1 in the Official UK Rock Album Chart. Produced and mixed by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, Journey etc), this is yet another world-class musical statement that raises the bar for rock singing.
In November 2010, Hughes was awarded the ChildLine Award at Classic Rock's Roll of Honour.
Hughes and Black Country Communion released their second album, "2", in 2011, followed shortly afterwards, by their debut live tour encompassing the USA, UK and Europe. Their third release, "LIVE OVER EUROPE", recorded live while on the European leg of their debut tour, reached the Top 5 spot world-wide with releases on DVD, CD, Blu-ray and Vinyl.
Hughes had his AUTOBIOGRAPHY published in 2011, in both hard and soft cover editions. The Number 1 best seller is available at all good retailers, both online and at traditional brick & mortar stores!
In November 2011, Black Country Communion won the prestigious Classic Rock Breakthrough Artist of the Year award at the Classic Rock Awards in London, with Glenn collecting the award on behalf of the band.
2012 saw Hughes touring Russia as a solo artist and also South America as a member of the Rock and Roll AllStars, featuring his good friends Gene Simmons, Matt Sorum, and Joe Elliot amongst others. Hughes also did solo shows and guest appearances in the UK, Israel, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Russia, Ukraine, China and Armenia but his main focus in 2012 was the writing, recording and press promotion for the third Black Country Communion album, "AFTERGLOW". Released worldwide in late October 2012, and again produced by Kevin Shirley, the album was another huge success for the band, and is possibly the most Hughes dominated album of the three, with many of the songs written solely by Glenn.
2013 saw Hughes embarking on some exciting new projects, with the best yet to come from this most eclectic, talented and inspired musician and songwriter.
Angela
Glenn Hughes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On her faith I can rely
She's an American woman
Born on the 4th of July
She don't want no philosophy
She just need photography
She was raised in poverty
Angela, is it true that what they say, you made the grade?
Angela, I can see your face in the motorcade
Angela, I'm so glad that it happened 4 you
Angela, you're a rock 'n roll star like you wanted
Angela, she come from Georgia
She had an unusual sound
She played in the bars in Atlanta
And she killed them in London Town
She don't want no philosophy
She just need photography
She was raised in poverty
Now why did you change your name?
Angela, is it true that what they say, you made the grade?
Angela, I can see your face in the motorcade
Angela, I'm so glad that it happened 4 you
Angela, you're a rock 'n roll star like you wanted
The song Angela by Glenn Hughes seems to be about a woman named Angela who is a friend of the singer. She is described as a reliable friend who doesn't need any philosophical talk but just enjoys photography. The lyrics reveal that Angela is an American woman who was born on July 4th, which is important as it is Independence Day in the United States. The song also suggests that Angela was born into poverty before becoming a successful rock 'n' roll star.
One interpretation of the song could be that Angela is a representation of the American Dream - an individual who overcame poverty to become successful in the music industry. The lyrics of the song suggest that the singer admires her for her achievements and is proud of her success. The line "Angela, you're a rock 'n roll star like you wanted" hints at the idea that Angela worked hard to achieve what she wanted in life, and this determination paid off in the end.
Line by Line Meaning
Angela, she is a good friend
Glenn Hughes introduces the subject of the song as Angela, a close and trusted friend of his.
On her faith I can rely
Glenn Hughes expresses his confidence in Angela's unwavering religious beliefs.
She's an American woman
Angela is from and represents America, her country of origin.
Born on the 4th of July
Angela's birth date is the Fourth of July, a traditionally patriotic American holiday.
She don't want no philosophy
Angela is not interested in abstract, theoretical discussions or ideas.
She just need photography
Angela is primarily interested in and focused on photography, as this is what fulfills her creatively.
She was raised in poverty
Angela grew up poor and likely faced challenges in accessing resources and opportunities.
Now why did you change your name?
Glenn Hughes questions why Angela changed her name, a potentially significant event given the power of one's name and identity.
Angela, is it true that what they say, you made the grade?
Glenn Hughes inquires whether Angela has achieved what others are saying she has in regards to success or validation.
Angela, I can see your face in the motorcade
In this line, Glenn Hughes imagines seeing Angela amongst the famous, perhaps as she rides in a procession.
Angela, I'm so glad that it happened 4 you
Glenn Hughes expresses his joy and support for Angela's successes and achievements, which seem to be well-deserved.
Angela, you're a rock 'n roll star like you wanted
Glenn Hughes affirms Angela's pursuit and fulfillment of her desire to become a rock 'n roll star.
Angela, she come from Georgia
Glenn Hughes further identifies where Angela comes from, which seems to hold significance or be notable.
She had an unusual sound
Angela's music is unique or distinct in some way, setting her apart from others and potentially contributing to her success.
She played in the bars in Atlanta
Angela began her music career playing in small venues in her hometown.
And she killed them in London Town
Angela's performance in London helped to propel her to fame, leaving a significant impact on those who saw her play.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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