A fourth generation musician, Shawn Hughes by all accounts was born to be a drummer. While pregnant with him, his mother would go to see his father legendary drummer Bob Hughes perform. “My mother told me that I was so feisty that every time I would hear the bass drum I would kick. I guess I got my rhythm at an early age,” Shawn confesses. By the time he was six years old, Shawn was laying down the beat to such great bands as America, Paul Simon and the Temptations and began performing with his father in their hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.

Nashville Drummer Shawn Hughes

After studying music and mastering the beats of Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Zeppelin and Spiro-Gyro, Shawn hit the Baltimore music scene with unique diversity playing Top 40, rock, progressive jazz and alternative at clubs and sessions. His first tour was at the young age of 15. Shawn would go on to play with many bands including NE, Great Train Robbery, Never Never, Click, Diver Down, Burn, Supine (aka Jimmies Chicken Shack) and Rebel Amish Radio.

An opportunity to leave his hometown of Baltimore and the local music scene came knocking when family friend Jim Yerger of Broken Bow Records invited Shawn to Nashville. His first gig in Nashville was at Legends Recording studio with the very soulful Michelle Veda. Soon after came the opportunity to tour with 3 Doors Down. Although this was a promising gig, timing served as a conflict for a full commitment. Through studio owner and friend, Shawn landed a new project as a tour and session musician with Cinderella bandmates Jeff Labar (guitar) and Eric Brittingham (bass), and the new group Naked Beggars. A call from Brett Michaels of Poison had Shawn recording tracks for his solo record before he hit the road with Naked Beggars. The tour was a great success and upon returning to Nashville, Shawn was offered a full time position with the band.

During the down time, he showcased with Jackson Hill at BB Kings in Nashville where producer Paul Worley noticed him. Within three weeks Shawn was called in to audition for the drummer position for Big and Rich. He nailed the audition to the dismay that someone was already under contract for the position. He then resumed as the official drummer for Naked Beggars and his career kept moving at locomotive speed. Herb Graham of Graham Artist Management contacted him to play with a band that had recently been signed to Curb Records. That band was Rio Grande.

Nashville Drummer Shawn Hughes

Shawn’s percussive range continues to expand to this day. Whether it’s on the road or in Nashville, you’ll find him playing somewhere with the likes of Randy Nations, Ronnie Pittman, Henry and the Seahawks, Kevin Ray, Ward Stout, Keith Horne, Monty Parkey, Pat Lassiter, Chris Sorrenson, Jonell Mosser, Greg Crow, Crystal Hoyt, Woody Bradshaw, Dave Fowler, Randy Brown Jared Blake Amanda Williams Nicole Witt and the list goes on and on. Along with the studio calls he answers on a regular basis, Shawn also participates in clinics and school seminars pertaining to the music industry and the importance of a drug-free lifestyle. On a more creative level, he is currently working on his own Vegas-style show comprised of world, tribal and electronic percussion. He has recently gained the respects of Michael Jackson, manager Frank DiLeo and corporations such as CocaCola.

Shawn Hughes is a creator of rhythm and he will continue to inspire with his talent, passion and dedication for success. With a lifetime of experience, he has become one of the most well respected drummers under the radar today. Congrats to Ash St. publishing co. for the placement of “Madness”(Timber) on Nash Bridges DVD release. Shawn is currently playing with Chasing Dixie and Stone Cold Reality Show w/ Jared Blake, Nicole Witt, Ray Stephenson and Amanda Williams.

Check Out Shawn’s Video!