R.B. Hudmon
R.B. Hudmon was an American soul singer and songwriter known for his deep, emotive style blending traditional soul with blues influences.
Robert B. Hudmon Jr. was born on August 6, 1954, in West Point, Georgia (near Columbus), though some sources mention Atlanta connections early on. He started singing as a child and recorded his debut single, "I'm a Roller," at age 12 in 1966, marking him as a young talent in the Southern soul scene.
Hudmon gained local fame in the 1960s and 1970s with releases on small labels like Truth Records, including forgettable early cuts before his 1975 breakthrough single "If Lovin' You Is Wrong (I Don't Want to Be Right)"—a cover that showcased his powerful vocals. By his mid-teens, he had moved to Atlanta, collaborating with producers and issuing soul tracks that later became collector favorites among rare soul enthusiasts. His work appeared on labels tied to Stax-influenced imprints, emphasizing heartfelt R&B with limited national chart success but strong regional appeal.
Hudmon remained a beloved local performer in the Columbus, Georgia, area as a soul-blues artist into the 1990s. He passed away on August 25, 1995, at age 41. Today, his rare 45s are celebrated in soul collector circles for their raw energy.
Closer To You
Written-By – Dash Crofts, James Seals 4:55
A2 Cause You're Mine Now
Written-By – Dan Daley 3:31
A3 A Lover's Question
Written-By – Brook Benton, Jimmy Williams 4:34
A4 How Can I Be A Witness
Written-By – R.B. Hudmon 4:10
B1 Bringing You Your Love
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher 3:30
B2 This Could Be The Night
Written-By – Dan Daley 3:45
B3 Can't You See I Love You
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher, R.B. Hudmon 3:53
B4 I'm Everything You Need
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher 3:11
B5 Groovin' On My Baby's Love
Written-By – Robert L. Holmes, Ted Jarrett 4:29
Label: Cotillion – SD 5204
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre:
R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The 1978 album Closer To You by R.B. Hudmon is a highly regarded work in the soul music genre, often described as one of the best Motown long-players ever released, despite its release on the Cotillion label. The album is praised for its blend of 1970s soul sounds, quality original songs, and R.B. Hudmon's "introspective vocal style".
Reviews highlight the album as a cohesive and essential listen for soul music enthusiasts.
It is considered an album to "listen to time and again," with many of its best cuts compiled onto the final set.
The record effectively balances mid-paced tunes, where Hudmon is noted to be most at home, with an enjoyable uptempo track, "If You Don't Cheat On Me".
The tracks are noted for their fine soul, with David Porter's "Ain't No Need Of Crying" and "Holdin' On" receiving specific mention for their quality.
Several tracks from the album were released as 7-inch singles, though many are primarily known within the Soul/Northern Soul collector's scenes rather than as major mainstream chart hits.
"How Can I Be a Witness" was a regional hit released originally in 1974 on Tomahawk Records, and re-released in 1975 (Truth Records) and 1976 (Atlantic Records) due to its popularity. It is often described as a superb, laid-back soul track and is a standout song.
"This Could Be The Night" Released as a single on Atlantic in 1977, this "superb, laid back soul-disco jam" was also included on the album.