Langston Hughes II is recognized as one of the most compelling saxophonists of his generation, praised for a radiant tone, emotional clarity, and deeply rooted artistic voice.
Gospel roots and musical formation
As Ulysses Owens Jr. describes him, “Langston is one of the most dynamic voices on the saxophone in his generation.”
Originally from Prince George’s County, Maryland, and now based in New York City, Hughes is an alumnus of Howard University and The Juilliard School, where he earned his Master of Music in Jazz Studies. His artistry reflects a synthesis of the musical worlds that shaped him: the Blues tradition, Black gospel influences, the Washington D.C. jazz lineage, and the rigor and innovation of New York’s contemporary jazz scene.
Hughes began his musical journey in the church, where gospel music first informed his sense of emotional truth and spiritual grounding. He began studying saxophone at age ten and later, under the mentorship of Charlie Young III, Cyrus Chestnut, Fred Irby III, Saïs Kamalidiin, and Bruce Williams, developed the lyrical depth and artistic discipline that define his sound today.
Langston is one of the most dynamic voices on the saxophone in his generation.Ulysses Owens Jr.
Jazz lineage and the stage
After entering Juilliard, Hughes quickly attracted the attention of Wynton Marsalis and Ulysses Owens Jr., leading to performance opportunities with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, including covering Ted Nash and Sherman Irby on tour. These experiences positioned him firmly within the lineage of modern jazz masters while affirming his distinct artistic identity.
He has since toured and performed with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Cyrus Chestnut, and Ulysses Owens Jr.’s Generation Y Band. His appearances include major venues and festivals such as Blues Alley, Keystone Korner, The Kennedy Center, Smalls, Chris’ Jazz Café, and the DC Jazz Festival. As a versatile woodwind doubler, he has also performed in Broadway and Off Broadway productions including A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical and Just in Time: The Bobby Darin Story.
Mentorship and community
In addition to his performance career, Hughes maintains an active presence as an educator and artistic leader. A former participant in the FAME Jazz Band, he now serves as Artistic Director of the program, guiding the next generation of musicians through mentorship, curriculum development, and national workshops. His educational philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, artistic integrity, and community engagement.
Grounded in faith and guided by purpose, Langston Hughes II continues to build a career defined by musical depth, professional distinction, and service to the broader artistic community.
