Rhetta Hughes (born Dallas, Texas, June 15, 1939, died June 3, 2019) was an American soul singer and musical theatre and occasional screen actress.Rhetta Hughes is known for Purlie (1981), Tenement (1985) and Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971).Was nominated for Broadway's 1984 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for "Amen Corner."In recent years Hughes has resided in Dallas tending her mother.