Percy Hughes
(1923-2016)
Inducted in 1996
Percy grew up in a musical family in St. Paul. His father played French horn and his mother was a pianist. At age 11 Percy began to play clarinet, later expanding to alto, tenor, and soprano saxophone. After high school and while attending University of Minnesota, Percy found himself in the U.S. Army playing in a jazz & big-band group. Percy’s music experience included jazz band combo leader and arranger for over 50 years. Since 1960, he taught private music lessons, presented grade school programs, and conducted jazz workshops and concerts in colleges. In 1987, Percy was inducted into the Minnesota Jazz Hall of Fame. “I have endeavored to uphold the highest standards of musicianship, leadership and professional recognition,” said Percy Hughes.
