Detroit musician and bandleader Terry Hughley, 61, died Friday at home after a severe asthma attack, Gary Graff reports at The Oakland Press.
A ubiquitous presence around the Detroit music community, best-known for his work with Detroit’s Sun Messengers, Hughley was revered for his versatility, dependability and perfectionism, as well as the showmanship that came from a gregarious personality that lit up any room or stage he visited.
"As drummer, lead singer and music director, Terry has been a Sun Messenger for 25 years," says a post at the group's Facebook page. "Words cannot express what this loss means to us."
Hughley, who grew up in northwest Detroit and Highland Park, used the nickname "Thunder." He also performed with The Thunda Express, a five-person band he formed.
Terry Hughley "was one of the greatest drummers in the world," says noted producer Don Was.
Photo by Wayne Norman)
Sun Messengers' co-founder Rick Steiger describes him to Graff as "“a multi-talented individual." The bandmate adds:
"Not only was he a fine drummer, but also a very fine singer with a really good ear and was very strong on arrangements. And he was a true entertainer. He understood that, as artists we all have to appeal to people and make our art accessible to people. That was something he understood very clearly.”
Another tribute comes from prominent producer Don Was, who tells the veteran music journalist that Hughley "was just the sweetest guy." The award-winning producer continues:
“One of my favorite memories in life is turning around onstage and seeing that beatific smile on Terry’s face as he was laying down his huge, deep, relaxed groove. He was one of the greatest drummers in the world, with a big, beautiful soul that matched the magnitude of his musical talent.”
Recording artists Hughley backed include David Ruffin, Mitch Ryder and The Coasters, Graff writes. He also played on commercials for Toyota, car dealerships, Betty Crocker and Mr. Allen’s Shoes.
Here's one-minute sample from 2013 of the Messengers' sound:
