Charles Hughes

Charles L. Hughes is Assistant Professor of Urban Studies and Director of the Lynne and Henry Turley Memphis Center at Rhodes College. Dr. Hughes received his B.A. and M.A. in Afro-American Studies and  Ph.D. in U.S. History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2012. He has taught, published and spoken widely on race, music and U.S. history.  His acclaimed first book, Country Soul: Making Music and Making Race in the American South, was named one of the Best Music Books of 2015 by Rolling Stone, No Depression and Paste. His second book, Why Bushwick Bill Matters, will be released in June 2021 by the University of Texas Press. He is a voter for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a participant in the Nashville Scene’s Year-End Country Music Poll. He is also a musician and songwriter.