John McHugh

Who is John McHugh?

John McHugh was a British operatic tenor known for his singing of ballads and romantic tunes and lyrics.

Encouraged to sing by Wolverhampton teacher May Summerfield and a priest named Grimaldi at Wolverhampton's Roman Catholic Church of Saint Mary and Saint John, McHugh began performing in church choirs and other venues around Wolverhampton. His big break came on 1936 November 21 when he sang in London's Gaumont Theatre for a regional competition of the BBC Amateur Hour. He won the competition at both the regional and the national levels.

Lady Dorothy Peploe became McHugh's benefactor, but she withdrew her support when McHugh married. The marriage produced two children, both sons—Roger and Christopher. Although widely traveled, McHugh lived his entire life in Wolverhampton except for a brief residence in Chalkwell before moving back into Wolverhampton, where he is buried. Muriel Emms wrote a biography of McHugh, but she was unable to come to terms with a publisher.