Dewey Hughes at a Glance
- Net Worth (2025): $12 Million
- Birthdate: April 25, 1932
- Birthplace: Greenville, South Carolina, USA
- Profession: Radio Executive, Producer, Media Entrepreneur, Boxing Manager
- Nationality: American
- Major Achievements: Co-founder of Radio One, manager of Sugar Ray Leonard
Table of Contents
What is Dewey Hughes’s Net Worth?
Dewey Hughes is an American radio pioneer, media executive, and boxing manager who has a net worth of $12 million. Hughes is best known for co-founding the groundbreaking urban media company Radio One with his ex-wife, Cathy Hughes, and for managing the legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard during the peak of his career.
Early Life
Dewey Hughes was born on April 25, 1932, in Greenville, South Carolina. Raised in a segregated South, he developed an early ambition and a keen understanding of the media’s power. He moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue greater opportunities, where he began his ascent in the world of broadcasting.
His formative years in D.C. saw him take on various roles, but it was his time at Howard University’s radio station, WHUR-FM, that truly set the stage for his future success. It was here he honed his skills and developed the vision that would later revolutionize urban radio.
Career
Hughes’s career is a masterclass in media innovation and strategic management. He made his mark in two distinct but equally high-stakes industries: radio broadcasting and professional boxing.
The turning point for Dewey Hughes came in the 1970s at WHUR-FM. As the station manager, he created the iconic “Quiet Storm” radio format, a late-night show featuring a smooth mix of R&B, soul, and jazz. The format was a phenomenal success, becoming a staple in urban radio markets across the country and cementing Hughes’s reputation as a visionary programmer.
In 1980, he and his then-wife Cathy Hughes purchased their first radio station, WOL-AM in Washington, D.C. This single purchase laid the foundation for what would become Radio One (now known as Urban One), the largest African-American-owned broadcasting company in the United States. While Cathy Hughes became the public face of the company, Dewey’s operational and programming genius was a critical engine for its initial growth.
Major Earnings & Achievements
The most significant portion of Dewey Hughes’s wealth comes from his stake in Radio One. The company went public in 1999, a landmark event that created immense value for its founders. His strategic vision helped steer the company through its critical early years, establishing a media empire that now includes dozens of radio stations, a television network (TV One), and digital media platforms.
Beyond radio, Hughes saw an opportunity in the world of professional boxing. He became the manager for a young, charismatic welterweight named Sugar Ray Leonard. Hughes negotiated multimillion-dollar purses for Leonard’s iconic fights against legends like Roberto Durán, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler, ensuring his client became one of the highest-paid athletes of his era. This role significantly boosted Dewey Hughes’s income and public profile.
Business Ventures & Investments
Outside of his primary roles, Hughes has been involved in various media consulting projects and smaller investments over the years. His main focus, however, remained tied to the growth and strategy of Radio One and his management duties in the boxing world. He understood the value of brand building, both for a media company and for a star athlete.
Personal Life
Dewey Hughes’s personal life is most notably defined by his professional and personal relationship with Cathy Hughes. Though they divorced, their partnership remains one of the most successful business collaborations in media history. Together, they have a son, Alfred Liggins III, who currently serves as the CEO of Urban One.
Hughes is known for his sharp business acumen, intense personality, and unwavering belief in the power of black-owned media. His lifestyle has been described as comfortable but not overly extravagant, prioritizing strategic business moves over flashy displays of wealth.
Real Estate
Information regarding Dewey Hughes’s specific real estate holdings is not widely publicized. It is known that he has resided in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for decades, a region that serves as the headquarters for Urban One and was the hub of his career activities. Any properties he owns are held privately.
Salary & Career Earnings Growth Chart
Hughes’s earnings have fluctuated throughout his career, moving from a stable salary as a station manager to significant returns from his ownership in Radio One and commissions from boxing management.
| Early 1970s; Radio Station Manager (WHUR-FM); Established his reputation as a top programmer. | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Late 1970s-1980s; Boxing Management (Sugar Ray Leonard) | Variable ($1M – $3M+ per fight commission) |
| 1980s-1990s; Co-founder, Radio One | Growth through company expansion; Reinvested heavily into acquiring new radio stations. |
| 1999-Present; Radio One (Post-IPO) | Dividends & Stock Value; The company’s IPO created significant personal wealth for the founders. |
| 2025; Investments & Past Earnings | Varies; Net worth reflects decades of successful ventures. |
FAQ
How did Dewey Hughes make his money?
Dewey Hughes accumulated his wealth primarily from two sources: co-founding the media conglomerate Radio One (now Urban One) and managing the career of boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard, where he negotiated record-breaking fight purses.
What is Dewey Hughes known for?
Dewey Hughes is famous for being a pioneering radio executive who created the “Quiet Storm” format and for being the highly successful manager of boxer Sugar Ray Leonard.
Is Dewey Hughes still married to Cathy Hughes?
No, Dewey Hughes and Cathy Hughes divorced. However, they maintained a professional relationship and co-founded Radio One, building it into a media empire. Their son, Alfred Liggins III, now runs the company.
Who is Petey Greene in relation to Dewey Hughes?
Petey Greene was an iconic radio and television personality in Washington, D.C. Dewey Hughes was Greene’s friend and manager, and their dynamic relationship was the subject of the 2007 film Talk to Me, in which Don Cheadle portrayed Greene and Chiwetel Ejiofor played Hughes.
