The Dukes of Rhythm

Led by Houston, TX-born blues guitarist/vocalist, Joe "Guitar" Hughes (1937-2003), the Dukes of Rhythm is best remembered as the breeding ground for influential bluesman, Johnny "Clyde" Copeland.Together for a decade, the group reached its apex as resident house band at Shady's Playhouse, hosting Monday night jam sessions at the Houston nightclub from 1958 until disbanding in 1963, and releasing regional hits, including "The Shoe Shy" and "Ants in My Pants." While Hughes failed to breakthrough nationally as a soloist, Copeland, who he had taught to play the guitar, went on to become one of the guiding forces of the Texas blues scene of the '80s and early '90s. Hughes was only 16 when he formed the Dukes of Rhythm. Although he was deeply inspired by the playing of Texas bluesmen, Lightnin' Hopkins and T-Bone Walker, he had been introduced to country & western music, gospel, and balladry by his mother. Purchasing his first guitar, with $25.00 earned as a dishwasher, he assembled his fist band, the Dukes, with Copeland, Pat Peterson, Steve Washington, and Cornelius. After Washington and Cornelius were replaced by bassist Herbert Henderson and drummer James Johnson, they changed their name to the Dukes of Rhythm. Following the breakup of the Dukes of Rhythm, Hughes worked with Little Richard's band, the Upsetters, and the Bobby "Blue" Bland group. He launched a solo career in 1988.
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