Austin, Texas born and raised, Hudson Harkins, songwriter, singer, drummer and bandleader, has led his band, Hudson and the Hoo Doo Cats, through over 5,000 gigs since it’s inception in 1989. During this time, Harkins has fronted the band through a multitude of club dates, concerts, festivals, casino and corporate events, as well as five studio albums.
After living in Austin for 39 years and touring Texas, the Midwest, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Harkins decided to move to Saint Louis, Missouri in 1994 where his band has become quite successful.
Blending the influences of Texas’ rockin’ blues, country, rockabilly, and swing, with St. Louis’ historic soul, jump-blues and groovin’ urban blues, and in addition to many of Hudson’s original songs, have all proven to play a key role in the band’s long success.
In recent years, Hudson has tapped on some of the finest musicians in the St. Louis area. His band is ever-evolving in different directions with a revolving set of all-star players.
Harkins and his Hoo Doo Cats can adapt to most any situation and has played for such high profile clients as American Airlines, Anheuser-Busch, Fox Sports Network, Ameristar Casinos, The National Baseball League, The British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta, countless municipal events, and many more.
"If there was only one band that I could listen to for the rest of my life it would be Hudson and the Hoo Doo Cats. They have played at every major event I have organized including benefits with 1000 people, my daughter’s wedding, and smaller parties at our home. Classy and fun, their style is unparalleled."