This Huntington native began playing piano at age five and studied music at top schools like Howard University and Oberlin Conservatory.

In the 1920s, she became a star in New York City’s Black Broadway scene, singing with the likes of Paul Robeson and Duke Ellington. She was the first Black soloist to perform at Central Park’s Peoples’ Concerts and made the first recording with the Black Swan label.

In the 1930s, Hughes returned to Huntington to care for her mother and became a music teacher. She built music programs in local schools and inspired many students. Later, she performed for troops in World War II and toured with the USO.

Known as the “Sophisticated Lady of the Organ,” Hughes kept performing into her 80s.