This article is about the singer, who in the 1960s, recorded for Wand Records. For the singer who recorded for Vee-Jay Records, see Fred Hughes (singer).
Fred Willie Hughes Jr. (August 20, 1943 – January 18, 2022) was an American gospel, soul, and R&B singer, perhaps best known for his 1968 song, "Send My Baby Back".[1]
The song "Send My Baby Back" (released through Wand Records) was written by Lonnie Hewitt and Ernest Marbray, and issued as a single in 1968, with "Where's My Baby" on the B-side. The single appeared on the U.S. BillboardR&Bchart, peaking at No. 20 that year.[2] It also charted on the BillboardHot 100 peaking at No. 94.[4]
"Send My Baby Back" was Hughes' only chart success, but he remained active and performed in numerous clubs right until his death.
In early January 2022, Hughes was hospitalized with pneumonia and COVID-19.[1] He died on January 18, 2022, at age 78, from leukemia and COVID-19 complications at Kaiser Oakland Medical Center in Oakland, California.[3]