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In the 1970s, it was common for pop groups like The Jackson 5 and The Bay City Rollers to get their own television shows after becoming famous for their music. However, The Hudson Brothers did things a little differently: They established their fame in pop music and television at the same time.
In the mid-to-late 1970s, this talented trio of brothers starred in television shows like The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Comedy Show and also recorded a string of fine, classically-styled pop songs at the same time.
As a result, they became both Saturday-morning favourites and pop stars.
The Hudson Brothers all loved music from an early age. By their high-school years, they had formed their own self-contained band and were playing at dances.
As The New Yorkers, they began recording their own Beatles-ish original songs in the mid-60s. They were a seasoned recording and performing unit by the time they came to the attention of Bernie Taupin, record producer and lyricist for Elton John.
Taupin signed them to Elton’s Rocket Records and produced Totally Out Of Control, a smooth, well-crafted pop record that recalled the sounds of groups like The Hollies.
In 1974, The Hudson Brothers took their success to a new level when they came to the attention of the producers for The Sonny and Cher Show.
They liked the brothers’ wacky sense of humour and gave them their own show, The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Comedy Show.
Meanwhile, the Hudson Brothers stayed active as a recording unit and released the successful Hollywood Situation album. This record also gave them the first hit, So You Are A Star, a keyboard-driven song that sounded like something off The Beatles‘ Sgt. Peppers album. It quickly became a Top 30 hit.
By 1975, The Hudson Brothers were television celebrities.
Their music had made them a favourite of fellow pop stars like John Lennon (he fondly referred to them as “the kings of Saturday Morning”). They also released another successful album, Ba-Fa. On this album, they showed off their skills as pop music chameleons by carefully recreating the sound of The Beach Boys on the original tune Rendezvous.
Real Beach Boy Bruce Johnston co-wrote and sang back-up vocals on this song, which became a Top 30 hit when it was released as a single.
The Hudson Brothers continued to appear on television and record through the end of the 1970s.
As the 1980s dawned, they decided to move into other areas of the entertainment business. Bill got involved in film production, Brett became a successful television director, and Mark worked as a record executive.
The latter brother also continues to work as a songwriter and producer with such acts as Aerosmith (Livin’ on the Edge), Bryan Adams and Hanson.
However, a loyal cult of fans will always fondly remember the Hudson Brothers for bringing fun to the radio and television airwaves during the 1970s.
Bill Hudson
Guitar, vocals
Mark Hudson
Lead vocals, drums, piano
Brett Hudson
Bass, vocals
