Benjamin Hudson McIldowie (born 1979, Birmingham, England), known professionally as Mr Hudson, is an English R&B/pop artist based in London, England. Mr Hudson is signed to rapper and producer Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music. He has listed various influences, most notably Chet Baker, David Bowie, The Police, Andre 3000, Marvin Gaye, Phoenix, The Specials, Billie Holiday, Rosster, Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzee Rascal.
Mr Hudson initially recorded with his band under the name Mr Hudson & The Library. Their first album, Tale of Two Cities, was released in 2007. The Library were Joy Joseph (Steel Pan, backing vocals, percussion), Torville Jones (piano), Maps Huxley (AKA Robin French, bass guitar) and Andrew “Wilkie” Wilkinson (drums). They were known for their energetic live performances and were nominated for “Best Newcomer” at the 2007 UK Festival Awards.
As a solo artist, Mr Hudson has worked with acts such as Kanye West, Dizzee Rascal, N-Dubz, KiD CuDi, Tinie Tempah, Jay-Z, Big Sean and Caspa, and also toured with Calvin Harris. His vocal performances have been compared to those of Sting. He is now accompanied by Joy Joseph (vocals and steel drum), Rob Barron (electric keyboard), Raphael Mann (bass guitar) and Andrew “Wilkie” Wilkinson (electric drums).
