In the vibrant tapestry of music, there exist stories that transcend borders, cultures and time itself. Reg Hudson, the maestro behind the mesmerising melodies of Hudson People, encapsulates one such narrative.
Born and bred in the rhythmic heart of Chicago, his journey unfurls like a melodic odyssey, resonating with the soul of a musician who found his rhythm amidst the bustling streets of Phoenix, Illinois. Reg reflects on his musical roots, saying, “I didn’t really learn how to read music because as soon as my piano lessons were over and she left our house, I started trying to play the Boogie-Woogie. That’s how my music career began.”
As he delved deeper into the world of music, Reg’s journey took an unexpected turn when he embraced the bass guitar, igniting the flames of his passion for performance. Recalling his early days performing at his uncle’s tavern, he shares, “Some of the most famous blues artists in the world played at my uncle’s ‘White Rose’ tavern and so did we!”
Yet, it was a serendipitous encounter with the band Fabulous Emotions that catapulted Reg onto the global stage playing the keyboard for adoring fans every night. Performing live and grooving alongside thousands of like-minded people playing the music you love is certainly what you call living the dream. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, he reminisces, “It was the biggest thing that I have ever done in my musical career touring on the same stage with Ramsey Lewis, Earth, Wind & Fire, and ‘Fabulous Emotions’!”
Yet, a chance invitation to join the band Body Heat in Europe beckoned Reg across the Atlantic to London’s bustling music scene. It was here that the timeless anthem ‘Trip to Your Mind’ was born. Reg shares the inspiration behind the track, saying, “It was the first song that I wrote when I came from the US to London. The cult soul disco track was in the top 10 R&B disco charts above Michael Jackson’s hit single! The song is still one of the most famous British funk disco tracks in their history and just got re-released by Back Atcha Records about 8 months ago.”
From the electric guitar solos to intricate drum rhythms, you can tell that this track along with many others created by Reg captures the soulful essence of those great artists he’s worked with throughout his career, and he believes that without knowing them, he wouldn’t be where he is today, both musically and spiritually. Hudson People was a band set up to showcase his original music, to which he likes to experiment with all genres: Reggae, Pop, R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop, Dance – you name it, he does it.
Beyond the realm of melodies and harmonies, Reg remains a staunch advocate for social change. Inspired by the legacy of his mother’s words, he channels his artistry towards championing causes close to his heart. “Any musician, sports person, or human being in the spotlight should stand up for human rights and stand up to save our planet by preaching the awareness and reality of climate change for the future of our children”, he notes. This unwavering passion similarly translates into the production and distribution of his music. As someone empowered by the digital revolution, he embraces the autonomy afforded by independent releases, forging a path guided by his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Everyone is aware of the ups and downs of the music industry, and this rocky road was no different for Reg. During his time living in Germany, the songwriter looked to other jobs in the same field to facilitate his musical career. This involved working as the Promotions Manager for both Puma Sportswear and Warwick Bass Guitars: “I met all of the big stars working for Puma and Warwick”, he said. “Stars like Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Iron Maiden and Bob Dylan; the list goes on. Music is my love, music is my passion!”
In the symphony of life, Reg Hudson stands as a testament to the transformative power of music. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the bustling studios of London, his journey embodies the essence of musical evolution, transcending boundaries and resonating with the soul of every listener who dares to embark on this melodic odyssey.
And as our conversation came to a close, Reg let me know that he was sitting in his studio working on a brand-new song. Big things are coming his upcoming projects herald a new chapter in his storied career.
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