Bill Hughes was an American copyist and music contractor.

Following a brief stint at Auburn University, Hughes joined the Marines and soon transferred to the Army in order to play in the Army band. He met his wife, Hazel, who was in the Air Force, through her sister.

Hughes and his family moved to California in 1959, where he was determined to become part of the Hollywood music scene. His first job was as a horn player with trumpeter Claude Gordon’s orchestra, touring the country with the band. Later, Hughes became a copyist, working with such luminaries as Bob Hope, Dean Martin, and Dinah Shore.

Hughes's career continued to progress when he became a music contractor at the suggestion of one of his arrangers. He contracted the musicians for many high-profile shows requiring live music, including the Academy Awards, Grammys, and Emmys. He also worked as music contractor on over 100 episodes of Dancing with the Stars, from 2006 to 2013.

At the time of his passing, Hughes was still active, and was working on the 2018 Oscars broadcast.

Hughes died in February 2018.