Hudson Ford

Lore & Background

Hudson Ford originated when John Ford and Richard Hudson left Strawbs in 1973. Both had previously been members of Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera in the mid-1960s before joining Strawbs. The original line-up featured Hudson on guitar (instead of his earlier drums) and Ford, along with Chris Parren on keyboards, Mickey Keen on guitars, and Gerry Conway on drums. Conway left in May 1974 before the recording of Free Spirit and was replaced by Ken Laws. Mickey Keen left in December 1974 and was briefly replaced by Mick Clarke, formerly of The Roy Young Band. Clarke moved to the United States in 1975 and was not replaced, leaving the line-up stable until the group dissolved in late 1977.

Reader's Guide

Hudson Ford's significance lies in their formation by two key members of Strawbs, continuing a musical partnership that began in the mid-1960s with Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera. Their debut album Nickelodeon featured session musician Rick Wakeman, adding notable pedigree. The band's personnel changes, including the departure of Gerry Conway and Mickey Keen, reflect the transitional nature of the 1970s rock scene. Their discography includes four studio albums and a compilation, with a later reissue collecting their A&M albums. In 1979, they briefly resurfaced as The Monks. While not achieving major commercial breakthrough, Hudson Ford represent a thread connecting several British rock acts of the era.

Did You Know?

• Hudson and Ford had previously played together in Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera in the mid-1960s.
• The first album Nickelodeon featured session musician Rick Wakeman.
• Gerry Conway left the band in May 1974 before the recording of Free Spirit.
• In 1979, the band resurfaced billed as The Monks.