Mr Hudson
Benjamin Hudson McIldowie (born 26 June 1979), better known by his stage name Mr Hudson, is an English singer, songwriter, and record producer from Birmingham, England. He performed as the lead singer of the band Mr Hudson and the Library in 2006, and signed with American rapper Kanye West's record label GOOD Music through a joint venture with Mercury Records two years later. He rose to prominence as a guest vocalist on West's 2009 single "Paranoid" from his album 808s & Heartbreak (2008). Furthermore, he co-wrote the songs "Say You Will" and "Street Lights" also from the album. That same year, Hudson guest performed on Jay-Z's 2009 single "Young Forever," which peaked within the top ten of both the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart. His debut studio album, Straight No Chaser (2009) entered the UK Albums Chart at number 25; its single, "Supernova" (featuring Kanye West) peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart.[1]
Mr Hudson
Benjamin Hudson McIldowie
26 June 1979
Birmingham, England
- Singer
- songwriter
- record producer
- Vocals
- guitar
- piano
2006–present
Hudson then began writing and producing for other acts including Paloma Faith,[2] Alex Clare,[3] Wretch 32, and worked extensively with Duran Duran on their 2014 album Paper Gods.[4] During the 2010s, he produced, co-wrote, and guest performed for artists including Future,[5] DJ Snake,[6] Vic Mensa and JP Cooper, among others.[7][8] He won a Grammy Award for his work on John Legend's 2020 album Bigger Love.[9]
Life and career[edit]
1979–2006: Early life and career beginnings[edit]
Born in Birmingham, Hudson grew up in the Handsworth area of the city (Dudley Road) and attended King Edward's School, Birmingham in Edgbaston. He attended Oxford University, where he read English Literature at St Anne's College, Oxford.
Before Mr Hudson formed 'Mr Hudson and the Library' he was in 'Mansize', 'The Hudson Sound' and 'Phoenix Green'. 'The Hudson Sound' and 'Phoenix Green' featured Ali Forbes, Jarvy Moss, Ben Westwood and Mr Hudson's brother Jon McIldowie. They enjoyed considerable success in the Birmingham area and elsewhere with a regular spot at Ronnie Scott's in Birmingham. 'Mansize' featured later collaborator Robin French.