The Hughes Brothers
The musical training for the Hughes Brothers became a natural part of their growing up. Raised with musical parents, who were always being asked to perform for various events, their talents seemed to fall into place. They have been singing in perfect harmony and as a group since the youngest brother, Andy, was two years old. Now, after 31 years in the entertainment business, 16 of which have been in Branson, Missouri, they are still young gentlemen ranging in age from 33 to 43.
The brothers’ incredible vocal sound is only one facet of their amazing talent. They also wow their audiences with their spectacular choreography and their proficiency and versatility in playing various instruments. They have an extraordinary ability to make an audience laugh one minute and tear up the next. With their strong stage presence, genuine charm, love of having fun, and seemingly unlimited talent, it is no small wonder that their two-hour family variety show “It” is so popular in Branson, Missouri.
After living in Taylorsville, Utah, for 27 years, the family made the decision to pack up and move to Branson, Missouri. None of them could have imagined the adventure that awaited them. Two of the brothers were married at the time and came with their wives and children. Since then the other three brothers have married. Marty, Jason, Adam, Ryan, and Andy are married to Cindy, Mara, Vikki, Carina, and Becky, respectively. Their wives and 32 children are also a part of the family entertainment which continues to delight audiences of all ages. The family has the largest cast in Branson and is well-known as the “World’s Largest Performing Family.”
Marty Hughes is the director of the musical arrangements of the show, including the brothers’ rich melodic harmonies, and is an accomplished musician, playing a variety of instruments with the keyboards being his forte. He is also an experienced composer, arranger, and sound engineer, and the driving force behind the brothers’ recording studio and record label, Huge Records. He attended Brigham Young University (BYU) where he earned a degree with a recording emphasis and had the honor of being presented with the Dean’s Award for “Music in the Media” two years in a row.
Jason Hughes is the actor in the group having played in more than 30 starring roles and winning numerous awards for his dramatic and vocal performances. He is a natural performer and can keep the audience laughing with his quick wit and hilarious antics. His incredible vocal range allows him to sing a wide variety of musical styles including country, Broadway, and also opera. He is the director and choreographer of the show. And his college major was threefold in Music, Dance, and Theater.
Adam Hughes is the baritone of the group and is also an impressive instrumentalist, playing the banjo, mandolin, and guitar, including the Spanish Classical Guitar. His varied interests include photography, film, lighting, and graphic design. Having pursued a major in cinema, he oversees lighting design for the show and is the primary graphic designer for the company. He has also done graphic design work for other shows and businesses in Branson.
Ryan Hughes plays the bass guitar, and his beautiful voice is the highlight on the country ballads. His dramatic performance of music from Phantom of the Opera is an audience favorite. With his vocal versatility, he can make impressions of everyone from Kermit the Frog to Jimmy Stewart to Barney the Dinosaur. His fun, unpredictable sense of humor and his ad-libs inspire many of the show’s comedic moments. He is responsible for the accounting and paperwork.
Andy Hughes is the youngest member of the group. He jokingly remarks that his job is to look good, and with his boyish good looks, he wins the hearts of all the girls from tiny tots to grandmothers. Andy is also in charge of public relations and the stage manager for the group. He is the high tenor of the group and has a vocal style similar to that of Colin Raye or Vince Gill. His versatility and irresistible charm shine through as he masterfully performs both ballads and Broadway with the greatest of ease.
In January of 2000, the Hughes Brothers took over the former Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre, Branson’ s landmark theater in the heart of town. The family not only performs there six days a week but also owns and manages the venue now renamed The Hughes Brothers Theatre.
They also included their parents, Gary and Lena Hughes in their big move to Branson, Missouri. Lena proudly sports a nametag that reads M&M (Mom and Manager) and manages the business end of the operation which includes 30 employees, half of which are family members. Gary’s nametag reads Chief Indian, and he runs Papa Hughes’ Fudge Shop and anything else that needs running.
According to their official website:
They developed their attitude of hard work over summers working for their father’s concrete fence construction business. All five of the brothers have served two-year missions for their Church in various parts of the world, ranging from the U.S. to South America and South Korea. Their missionary experience helped the brothers develop a genuine love for people, which naturally comes across throughout the show. They have a remarkable ability to connect with their audiences in a personal way, something that few entertainers manage to achieve in a lifetime of performing.
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