Interviews Next Wave

Cruisin’ into 2025: Hughes Reignites the Flame of Soul

Street-educated singer-songwriter, producer, and composer William Odell Hughes channels the sunny sounds of the ’70s and ’80s into modern

By TCR Staff

June 14, 2025

Cruisin’ into 2025: Hughes Reignites the Flame of Soul

Street-educated singer-songwriter, producer, and composer William Odell Hughes channels the sunny sounds of the ’70s and ’80s into modern masterpieces, precisely what the new generation didn’t know it was missing. A lifelong Detroiter, Hughes met jazz pianist Pamela Wise on the East Side bus route in the early 80s, sparking a collaboration that launched his musical journey without turning back. Working alongside Wise and her husband, Jazz icon Wendell Harrison, his debut album, “Crusin’,” is a vivid portrait of the 80s soundscape. A rich tapestry of soulful grooves and cosmic currents, it’s a hidden gem that left an enduring mark on funk and soul. Deeply influenced by Motown legends—some of whom he’s opened for, including The Temptations, Deniece Williams, and The Dramatics—Hughes has remained a driving force of soulful expression and musical innovation. He’s since released a string of resonant records through his own label, LeAffaire Music. With a new album on the horizon, long time admirers and new fans alike can look forward to Hughes’s ambitious next chapter: a fresh collection of originals with “a little something for everyone.”

A natural earworm, “Loving You Was Easy” (Remix) glides along the warm, relaxed groove of a Friday morning summer drive—a shimmering blend of cool air and sunlit soul. While it may first appear to be a traditional love song, the subtle shift from “is” to “was” in the title reveals a deeper emotional undercurrent. Over an uptempo, irresistibly groovy beat, Hughes’ velvety vocals drip with longing, as he pines for a lost love. “Since you left, I can’t get you out of my mind,” he aches, “every day I’m praying for a brand new start.” Though this track could have easily slipped out of an “Easy Listening” radio station in 1980, Hughes’ sped-up, high-pitched backing vocals add a vibrant, contemporary edge, amplifying the sense of yearning. Listeners will become instantly enamored with Hughes’ swaggering soul, swept up in a desire to boogie, while his sentimental refrains stir memories of the loves that still linger in their hearts.

Hughes’ genuine presence takes center stage in the “Loving You Was Easy”(Remix) music video. Performing alongside a chorus of robed puppets, he steps and spins with a commanding, effortless grace—as if he were born to do this. Created in collaboration with a fellow creative and friend, Sylvia Gordon of Elite Starr Presents, this visual features a whimsical cast of puppet couples navigating their tales of betrayal and heartbreak. “What is this?” viewers might wonder, before becoming immersed in this playful take on the melodramas of modern love. As amusing as it is heartfelt, the stripped-down production leaves room for the music to shine, heightening the soulful spirit of the track. As one of Hughes’s debut visuals, it offers viewers an exciting glimpse into his evolved artistic identity. He’s a true visionary—an artist who doesn’t take himself too seriously, yet, clearly poised to make waves in 2025 just as he did in 1981, by crafting songs as light as air and as soul-stirring as ever.

How do you feel the sound of Detroit shaped your voice and sound as an artist?

Growing up in Detroit when I did had a very strong influence on my style of sing.I mean Motown was where all kids growing in the 60’s wanted to be a part of this. The sound we imitated especially The Temptations among others the Miracles, The Four Tops etc.I mean Your voice and ear kind of fell into a soulful interpretation but could also lean into a Pop Feel also.

Talk us through how meeting Pamela Wise on a bus in the 80s shaped the trajectory of your musical career.

Well after introducing myself to Pam on she introduced me to Wendell Harrison who had a 4-track.Studio in his basement because I had some songs I wanted to record and we got together and recorded. The Cruising album but they wearer area jazz Musicians and I was a Motown styled David Ruffin, Dennis Edwards type singer or anything but jazz (lol) it taught to hold notes over period of time And sing a different style than I was accustomed to.this album is in its 3rd print this time its been released by Light In The Attic (L.I.T.A.) and has become a collectors item we had a guy travel from Japan to buy the Last one I had off my Wall so I guess I here to stay but also let me Know good music has longevity.

How has your sound evolved since releasing “Crusin’” in the 80s? What inspires you to make new music in 2025?

Well technology Has allowed me to record more intricate patterns and instruments and also finishing at A faster pace I can record 5 songs complete and mastered today compared to when I recorded when I recorded “Cruising” life and the feelings inside me inspires to continue in 2025, also I don’t think I have reached my full music capacity.

How did you go about infusing a sense of longing and heartache into “Loving You Was Easy?”

I Think the infusion of longing and heartache in”Loving You Was Easy” is something in me that allows this To happen when certain notes are heard by me.

What parts of your own personality and outlook on life are found in “Loving You Was Easy?”

I’m not sure if my own personality is attached to “Loving You Was Easy” but I can definitely say if you care for someone, respect them and treat them right because they may not be around, some losses can’t be recovered.

Who could you not have done the “Loving You Was Easy” music video without? What was your collaboration process like?

My Video Girls, Liz, Sylvia, who is also the puppeteer, Engineer Greg, and Producer Joel all were needed and greatly appreciated. The collaboration process was a little extensive beginning with the music because the video version Is the remix of a slower heart string puller that I produced alone same words and everything but I got another producer Joel Joseph from AMG In Toronto He totally the music but dropped the vocal stems into the new music and it created The thought in my head to bring in the Puppets that Sylvia had with her company once I relayed my vision toHer, it seemed to work.

Can fans expect more visuals with the same playful spirit as “Loving You Was Easy?”

Possibly, the Sequel!

What can fans look forward to in your upcoming album? What genres do you explore on the record?

The New album hasn’t Been Officially released but should drop the 1st week of June or sooner. It is written and produced by me, its title is “What’s Your Genre.” It is an album of many with different Genres my but coming from my veins, I think there is something for everyone here on this one. But also the 3 song remix E.P. written and produced by me ,Joel Joseph, featuring “Loving You Was Easy (Remix)”