Listening to bands like the Beatles and Rolling Stones inspired a teenage Al to save up for a cheap guitar, after all everyone else was doing it.
By 1975 he was playing his own material at the Hammersmith Odeon in London in front of 3000 people.
There have been many gigs since that day for Al. Playing on his own, with former band, "Side Effects", (along with Dougie Hunter & Alan Kyle) and now with Lights Out By Nine.
Al also has a very successful solo Blues career boasting three CD's which are a mix of classic and original blues.
"When it comes to musical talent, Al Hughes has got bags full of the stuff. Best known as the frontman for highly rated Soul/R&B band Lights Out By Nine, Hughes also operates as a solo blues artist. His latest, self-titled recording highlights his considerable skills as a singer/songwriter, guitarist and harp exponent."
Gordon Baxter - Blues On Stage - November 1999