H.R.

Infobox Musical artist


Img_size =
Name = H.R.
Background = solo_singer
|Img_capt = H.R. outside of New York's CBGB in 2006
Birth_name = Paul D. Hudson
Born = birth date and age|1956|2|11
Origin = London, England
Genre = Punk rock
Hardcore punk
Reggae
Crossover thrash
Heavy metal
Occupation = Musician, Vocalist
Years_active = 1977–present
Instrument = Vocals
Associated_acts = Bad Brains
Label =
Notable_instruments =

H.R. ("Human Rights") (born February 11, 1956 in London, England) is the stage name of Paul D. Hudson, the lead singer of the influential hardcore punk band Bad Brains. Often, in conflict with the other members of the group throughout the 1980s, H.R. would leave the band periodically and record solo albums which were more mellow reggae than Bad Brains' usual offerings. Though reggae is the main focus on H.R.'s solo material, rock and other musical genres are explored as well. As a result, he experienced an extensive solo career, gaining a reputation as an impressive singer and dynamic performer, with numerous reggae albums released on SST Records. He is the older brother of Earl Hudson, the band's usual drummer.

He has collaborated with the Long Beach Dub Allstars on their song "New Sun", on the Right Back album and with P.O.D. on their song "Without Jah, Nothin'", on the album Satellite. During the past several years H.R. has headlined DIA Records Global Rock Showcase tour. H.R. continues to play shows with his Bad Brains bandmates. The foursome released a new album, "Build a Nation" in 2007 produced by Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys. It is a return to their hardcore punk roots, but also encompasses their unique reggae-punk hybrid sound expressed in "I Against I", "Quickness" and later albums. This is the first original LP with the original lineup since 1995.

He and his bandmates became Rastafarians around 1979. This spiritual direction influenced the music of Bad Brains via his vocals, and inspired the creation of his reggae band, Human Rights.

A Village Voice review of a Bad Brains concert described him on stage "like James Brown gone berserk, with a hyperkinetic repertoire of spins, dives, back-flips, splits, and skanks."

In recent years H.R.'s performances have been markedly more mellow and restrained, focusing primarily on reggae, and Rastafarianism. This is a stark contrast to his wildly animated, aggressive stage performances of the late 70s and 1980s. [ [http://www.beastiemania.com/whois/bad_brains/ Beastiemania.com - Who Is Who - Bad Brains ] ] H.R.'s persona, once that of a leonine, no-nonsense, and politically vocal Rasta has also mellowed considerably. He is often seen on stage displaying a sort of Cheshire Cat grin and standing singularly at the microphone. H.R.'s interviews in recent years have also been quite eccentric and free-form, bordering on non-sensical and amusing. His eccentricities, however, have done little to diminish Bad Brains popularity or his own as a solo artist.

In 2006, HR signed a 7 album deal with D.C. Hardcore, LLC, and began working on the first, Hey Wella, with DC Hardcore's part owner, Grant "OG" Garretson (drummer/guitarist/songwriter) and multiple Grammy winner, David Darlington at Bass Studios in New York. The album, due out late September 2008, is a mix of Rock, Punk, Reggae, and Ska. Upon listening to the pre-release album, many industry giants have deemed, Hey Wella, to be HR's most impressive solo to date.

August 16, 2008, HR will be performing at the Volcom Grand Opening in Manhattan, NY. This event is open to the public. He will also be performing during the West Coast Warped Tour as well as the CMJ Music Marathon in New York City. Festival dates are October 20-25. The official Hey Wella tour will kick off after the official album release party in New York City-soon to be announced.

HR currently resides in Falls Church, VA and has upcoming spot date appearances in New York, Baltimore, D.C., and Miami, before the official U.S. Hey Wella tour, in the fall.

Discography

*It's About Luv (1984)
*Keep Out of Reach (EP, 1986)
*Human Rights (1987)
*Singin' in the Heart (1989)
*Charge (1990)
*I Luv (1991)
*Rock of Enoch (EP, 1992)
*Our Faith (1992)
*Out of Bounds (2000)

H.R. Anthology (1991) acts as "best of" album and showcases a diverse array of songs from the 80s albums.

External links

* [http://punkcast.com/1034/ Punkcast #1034] Live video at CBGB NYC, 10 September 2006. (RealPlayer, mp4).
* 30underdc.com [http://www.30underdc.com/bands/badbrains/ Early biography] of Bad Brains, includes interviews and flyers.

References