Darren and Margy Hughes

[ margy ] [ darren ]

Darren possessed an ear for singing harmony, playing piano, and song writing at a young age. "I remember going to sleep to the sound of gospel music every night, so I was definitely born into it" says Darren. His family sang in churches throughout North Carolina and surrounding states. Darren sang the harmony part above his mom and sister before his voice changed. He later developed that talent studying with Steve Hurst, Roger Beale, and also earned a degree in music at Tennessee Temple University. He has toured nationally singing with the groups, Malachi and Heritage.

A passion was born early on for writing songs. According to Darren, "I had all these tunes in my head that just had to get out. Although I wrote, it wasn't until my relationship with God deepened that I had something worth saying. I enjoy the whole creative process, from writing and arranging a song to performing it live." Darren and Margy have written all the songs they are recording.

First live performance: I sang with my first group, the Friendly Five, with my sister, Wendy and cousins, Michael, Cheryl, and Susan at Morning Star Baptist Church in Pine Hall, NC, where our Grandpa Shuler was the pastor. We were all kids. We sang, "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands."

First aspired to be: An architect. Unlike other children, I drew house plans for fun as a child!

Most distinctive hometown fact: Thomasville, NC (home of Thomasville Furniture) has "The Big Chair" in the middle of town. It is actually 30 ft tall.

Most influential person: My Grandpa, Grady Shuler. If he hadn't become a Christian, I don't know that any of my family would have.

Favorite singer: Paul Lancaster

Favorite author: Philip Yancey

Best imitation: Scooby Doo

Thing you can't do to save your life: snap my fingers or whistle

Favorite thing to do besides sing: sleep

Dream vacation: I'd love to tour Europe, especially France.

If a movie was made of your life, who should play you: Matthew Perry

Best advice you've ever been given: Relax. Smile.

Favorite scripture: Psalm 32:8b "I will guide thee with mine eye."

Favorite song lyric: "The Love of God"

What is the goal of your music? To make people think, respond, and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. When I can convey a thought or emotion through a song and the listener is moved or inspired, I am fulfilled.

E-mail Darren at darren@darrenandmargy.com.