The Hudson Brothers’ Soundtrack

The Hudson Brothers were a Portland, Oregon-based pop trio from the 1970s. Bill Hudson, Brett Hudson, and Mark Hudson, who were siblings, made up the group (and not in name only). The brothers’ sound was significantly influenced by English beat groups (including the Beatles, of course) and the Beach Boys when they formed in 1965. They released a few records on the Scepter label in 1967. They went on to record for a variety of labels, including Decca, Warner Bros., Lionel Records, and Playboy Records, before signing with Elton John’s Rocket Record Company.The Hudson brothers’ singles “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, became big hits on that label.

The Hudson Brothers are an American music trio created in Portland, Oregon in the 1970s by Bill Hudson, Brett Hudson, and Mark Hudson. They changed their name to The New Yorkers after winning an amateur talent event. The brothers were signed to Scepter Records in 1967, and their first song, “When I’m Gone,” was released. In the same year, two singles were released: “Mr. Kirby” and “Show Me the Way to Love.”They switched to the Pacific Northwest label the following year, releasing “Adrianne” and “Land of Ur.” The New Yorkers recorded “Lonely” for Warner Bros. Records in 1969, then switched to Decca for “I Guess the Lord Must Be in New York City” in 1970.

The New Yorkers changed their name to Everyday Hudson and released “Love is the Word” in early 1970. They changed their name to Hudson and signed with Lionel Records, releasing “Love Nobody.” When they moved to Playboy Records (which had just opened), they used the same moniker and released a single called “Leavin’ It’s Over.” The following year, they were signed to Elton John’s company, The Rocket Record Company. They followed up with “If You Really Need Me” and “Sunday Driver.” Bernie Taupin, John’s songwriting partner, produced “If You Really Need Me,” which was recorded in France.

With the release of “So You Are a Star” in the summer of 1974, they finally cracked the Top 40 as The Hudson Brothers. It was recorded and released on Casablanca Records, and it charted at #21 on Billboard. In 1975, the trio re-entered the charts with “Coochie Coochie Coo,” which reached #108. In 1975, the trio returned to John’s Rocket Record Company label before moving to Arista Records the following year. In 1980, they renamed themselves Hudson and signed with Elektra Records. In 1983, the trio changed their name to The Hudsons and signed with Columbia Records. They made no more substantial impact on the pop charts after multiple label changes and moniker changes throughout their career.

Bill Hudson married actress Goldie Hawn in 1976, and they have two children: actor Oliver Hudson and actress Kate Hudson (actress). In 1980, Hudson and Hawn divorced. Bill married actress Cindy Williams two years later, and they were married until 2000.

Mark worked with huge names like Aerosmith and Ringo Starr as a successful writer/producer. Brett is currently employed as a television show producer. The Hudson brothers are still active in the music industry, but not as a band.