Mr Hudson is the stage name of Benjamin Hudson McIldowie, a British singer and producer from Birmingham, England, born in 1979. He is signed to G.O.O.D. Music and has worked across electronic, indie, alternative and hip-hop contexts.

Career

He first performs as Mr Hudson & The Library with a backing band. The group releases its debut album, A Tale of Two Cities, in 2007. The album uses acoustic guitar, classically inflected piano, Motown-style backing vocals, bass guitar, steelpan, electric drums and irregular rhythmic patterns, and includes cover versions of “On The Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady and “Everything Happens to Me”, a standard associated with singers such as Frank Sinatra and Chet Baker. It receives warm reviews and national airplay on BBC Radio 1 from Jo Whiley and Zane Lowe.

He gains wider attention after appearing on Later with Jools Holland in December 2006. Early in his career, he also appears in JUMPOFF producer battles in 2005.

Solo work

His debut solo album, Straight No Chaser, appears in 2009. Kanye West acts as co-producer, and the album includes guest appearances from Kanye West and Kid Cudi. Mr Hudson also features on Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak, on the track “Paranoid”, and contributes co-production to “Street Lights” and additional vocals to “Say You Will” and “Amazing”. He sings the hook on Jay-Z’s single “Young Forever”.

Live performances and touring

With The Library, he becomes known for energetic live shows that include steelpan and piano. The band tours 12 British libraries as part of the Get It Loud initiative, supports Amy Winehouse on tour alongside Paulo Nutini, Mika and Groove Armada, and appears at UK festivals including Glastonbury, T in the Park, The Big Chill, V Festival, Godiva Festival and Bestival. The group also plays at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in support of The Police and supports Kanye West on the European leg of the Glow in the Dark Tour. Mr Hudson later tours the UK to preview material from Straight No Chaser and supports Calvin Harris on his UK tour.

Collaborations and associations

He works with Kanye West, Dizzee Rascal, N-Dubz, Kid Cudi, Tinie Tempah and Jay-Z, and his vocal style is compared with Sting’s. His influences include Chet Baker, David Bowie, The Police, André 3000, Marvin Gaye, The Specials, Billie Holiday, Rosster, Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzee Rascal.

Band members

He is accompanied by Joy Joseph on vocals and steel drum, Rob Barron on electric keyboard, Raphael Mann on bass guitar and Andrew “Wilkie” Wilkinson on electric drums. The Library is also listed with BIGkids among his associated members.

Awards

Mr Hudson & The Library are nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2007 UK Festival Awards.