The Music of the Hudson Brothers

Introduction to Hudson Brothers

The Hudson Brothers were 70s music era pop group from Portland, Oregon. They consisted of Bill Hudson, Brett Hudson and Mark Hudson, who were actual siblings (and not in name only). Formed in 1965, the brothers’ sound was heavily borrowed from English beat groups (of course including the Beatles) and the Beach Boys. In 1967 they released a handful of records on Scepter label. They went on the release records under many labels: Decca, Warner Bros., Lionel Records, Playboy Records, until they landed a deal with Elton John’s own imprint The Rocket Record Company. On that label, the Hudson brothers released singles that managed to become sizable hits: “So You Are a Star” (1974), “Rendezvous” (1975), “Lonely School Year” (1975) and “Help Wanted” (1976), all produced by John’s songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin.

Meet the Hudson Brothers

Bill Hudson, Brett Hudson and Mark Hudson collectively known as The Hudson Brothers, are an American music group formed in Portland, Oregon in the 1970s. After winning an amateur talent show, they started calling their group as The New Yorkers. Around 1967, the brothers got signed to Scepter Records where they had their first single “When I’m Gone.” It was followed by two singles also in that same year:  “Mr. Kirby” and “Show Me the Way to Love.” The following year, they moved to Pacific Northwest label which they issued “Adrianne” and “Land of Ur.” In 1969, The New Yorkers moved to Warner Bros. Records and cut “Lonely” and later switched to Decca and issued “I Guess the Lord Must Be in New York City.”

By the early 1970, The New Yorkers were changed its name to Everyday Hudson and released “Love is the Word.” Shortening their name this time to Hudson, they switched to Lionel Records releasing “Love Nobody.” The group also used the same name when they moved to Playboy Records (which opened anew) where they released a single “Leavin’ It’s Over.” Next, they were signed to Elton John’s label, The Rocket Record Company the following year. From there, they issued “If You Really Need Me” and “Sunday Driver.” “If You Really Need Me” was recorded in France and produced by John’s songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin.

Recordings of The Hudson Brothers

In the summer of 1974, they finally made it on the Top 40 as The Hudson Brothers, releasing “So You Are a Star.” Recorded and released on Casablanca Records, it peaked at #21 on the Billboard charts. The group returned to the charts with “Coochie Coochie Coo” at #108 in 1975. After returning to John’s Rocket Record Company label in 1975, the group then moved to Arista records the following year. They switched their name back to Hudson and signed to Elektra Records in 1980. The group then moved to Columbia Records in 1983, this time as The Hudsons.   After numerous label switching and name changing throughout their music career, they made no more significant impression on the pop charts.

Hudson Brothers’ personal lives

In 1976, Bill Hudson married actress Goldie Hawn and had two children; Oliver Hudson (actor) and Kate Hudson (actress). Hudson and Hawn divorced in 1980. Two years after, Bill married actress Cindy Williams; their marriage lasted until 2000.

Mark became a successful writer/producer and worked with big names such as Aerosmith and Ringo Starr. Brett is currently working as a producer for TV shows. The Hudson brothers are still active in the music business but not any longer as a group.