As most classic rock fans know, the band Deep Purple went through a variety of personnel changes over the years. No matter which "version" of Deep Purple you might prefer, one thing has remained consistent: Deep Purple has always produced memorable, quality, blues-based rock.

     Now, imagine for minute that you are on TV's Jeopardy and you've chosen the category: Former Lead Singers of Deep Purple. Alex says, "This guy joined Deep Purple back in 1973 when they were the top-drawing live rock band in the world." If you said, "Who was Glenn Hughes?" you'd be right on the money!

     Most fans associate Glenn with the blistering DP classic, "Burn," a song that still enjoys a generous amount of radio air-play on classic and album rock stations. Others might remember that Glenn was one of the Deep Purple singers who performed with the band at the infamous California Jam in the early 70s---the biggest concert in America since Woodstock [at the time]. And, real rock and roll trivia buffs will tell you that Deep Purple was one of the few bands who used 2 high-profile lead singers during that era: both Glenn Hughes and David Coverdale.

     While Coverdale went on to enjoy commercial success with Whitesnake in the 80s, Glenn Hughes career since his DP days has taken many interesting twists and turns.

     Before joining Deep Purple, Glenn was in Trapeze, a band that made several albums (including some critically acclaimed live discs) since the late 60s and enjoyed some success in America. It was Glenn's tenure in Trapeze that brought him to the attention of Deep Purple founder Ritchie Blackmore.

     In 1973, Blackmore invited Glenn and David Coverdale to join Deep Purple as co-lead vocalists. During Glenn's time with DP, he sang on many of the band's classic albums, including: "Burn," "Stormbringer," and "Come Taste the Band." He admits that performing at venues like the Orange Bowl in Miami and at events like The California Jam was the "heyday of rock and roll excess...everything was bigger and larger than life."

     After leaving Deep Purple, Glenn released his first solo disc, "Play Me Out." He later released the Hughes-Thrall album [with Pat Thrall] which featured the popular ballad, "Coast to Coast." Hughes is also noted for his work with Gary Moore, Phenomena, and Black Sabbath.

     Glenn was on Gary Moore's "Run For Cover" album. He also enjoyed AOR airplay as a member of Phenomena, featuring the late great drummer, Cozy Powell. If you are a Black Sabbath fan, you'll remember that Glenn sang with the band on their "Seventh Star" disc.

     Glenn has since completed a variety of solo projects that have enjoyed a tremendous amount of success overseas, especially in Japan. His career is also sprinkled with some surprising highlights. Remember the video for "City of Crime," from the movie, "Dragnet," [with Tom Hanks and Dan Ackroyd]? Glenn was the vocalist featured in that clip. He also had a song on the "Highlander" soundtrack.

     Hughes says that he is deeply flattered to be called "The Voice of Rock" by techno-"house" band, KLF. He guested on KLF's worldwide smash hit, "America: What Time Is Love?." In fact, Bill Drummond of KLF admitted that Glenn was his favorite rock singer while he was "growing up." Drummond's opinion is shared by other great musicians. Stevie Wonder has called Glenn his "favorite white singer." Paul Rodgers and David Bowie have also admitted (publicly) to admiring Hughes vocal work.

Glenn Hughes and Joe Lynn Turner

     Glenn also loves working with other musicians, including Voices of Classic Rock members, Bobby Kimball [Toto] and Joe Lynn Turner [Rainbow/Deep Purple]. Last October, he teamed up with Turner for a concert tour in Japan. Glenn and Joe are tentatively planning to work on an album together this summer. Kimball and Hughes have often talked about doing a project together and Glenn is thrilled that being a part of the Voices of Classic Rock will give him an opportunity to do this. He calls Bobby one of the most "amazing live singers" he has ever seen.

     Hughes has often been a guest on the popular "Mark and Brian" radio show in Southern California. In fact, he and Edgar Winter jammed together at the Mark and Brian Christmas party recently, doing "[Come On Baby]Let the Good Times Roll."

     In November Glenn performed at the House of Blues in Los Angeles for RADD (Recording Artists, Actors &Athletes Against Drunk Driving) in their holiday campaign for safer roads. Glenn's RADD All-Star band included MC5's Wayne Kramer, and Paul McCartney's drummer Denny Seiwell.

     While Glenn is known mostly for his "rock" or blues-tinged vocal stylings, he enjoys singing all genres of music. He recently released "A Soulful Christmas;" a CD of yuletide classics that will be available again later holiday season. You can get more detailed info on Glenn and his active career at his own web site (www.glennhughues.com).

     Hughes says it always captivates him to see many generations at his concerts. He explains that when he plays in places as diverse as Japan and Argentina that the audience's age range is staggering, "from 12 to 55." He muses that it is cool when fans bring their kids along, too.

     Anyone who has spent any time with Glenn will probably agree that he is not only a very charming guy, but also confident and humble at the same time. He is very solicitous with his fans, and after a show in Argentina recently he actually signed over 900 autographs. "I am very grateful for them. I feel it is important to connect."

     Glenn enjoys playing live and reveals that he always asks himself the same questions before every song he sings: "How can I perform this song in a special way this time? How can I make it memorable?" He insists that his voice is a "gift from God and the result of living healthy for which I have great gratitude for. I am amazed that I will actually open my mouth and out come these sounds from deep within my soul. I can never see myself retiring...singing is my life's work."

     Perhaps you'll get a chance to see Glenn perform with the Voices of Classic Rock later this year and be sure to bookmark our site and check back often. We plan to make rare tracks by the Voices members available right here on the site as well as exclusive pictures, memorabilia, and many future features/interviews with Glenn. If you are a Glenn Hughes fan and "new" to rockforever.com, welcome, and feel free to email us with ideas or thoughts at LisaE@rockforever.com.

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OFFICIAL GLENN HUGHES WEBSITE