Cary Hudson

The state of Mississippi is known by many as “The Birthplace of America’s Music.” Cary Hudson, who hails from the Piney Woods area of the Magnolia State, is deeply aware of those roots, and isn’t afraid to let them shine through in his own music. The singer-songwriter-guitarist-pianist has been around the block a few times, but has always come out swinging with a gritty mix of country, folk, blues, and rock and roll, all channeled through Hudson’s singular voice, whether singing, wailing on six strings, pounding keys, or blowing harp. Named among the top ten guitarists of Alternative Country by Gibson Guitars, Cary’s sound is a potent stew of greasy grooves, plaintive melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and fiery guitar solos. Hudson first entered the national spotlight as the co-leader (with Laurie Stirratt) of the Oxford, Miss.-based roots-rock heroes Blue Mountain in the early 1980s. Blue Mountain graced the cover of the second-ever edition of the Alt-country bible No Depression and were voted by readers of The Local Voice as Oxford’s most legendary band in 2011. Since the early double-naughts, Hudson has released a half-dozen solo albums and toured extensively. His latest, Ole Blue, was recorded at the historic Malaco Studios in Jackson, Miss., and is slated for a 2024 release. In addition to his many projects, Cary has also played guitar with Bobby Rush, R.L. Burnside, Big Jack Johnson, Shannon MacNally, Dayna Kurtz, and other roots artists. With plans to promote his new album, Hudson will be a busy man between his solo shows, band shows with Hud and the Hurricane (featuring fiddler Katrina Miller and his daughter/vocalist Anna Hudson), and the occasional Blue Mountain gig. Reflecting on Ole Blue, Cary says, “The recording was inspired by the vibe of the soul and r and b music and the sweet vintage gear” that Malaco is known for. That makes sense. Cary Hudson has always dug deep into the roots of his home state. And as usual, he’s pulled out another winner.