Al Hudson and The Soul Partners
Al Hudson and the Soul Partners were a prolific Detroit-based R&B and funk group formed in the mid-1970s, They are best known for evolving into the highly successful 1980s funk band One Way. The group was founded in Detroit, Michigan, led by lead vocalist Al Hudson (born June 11, 1954). They initially recorded singles for Atco Records before signing with ABC Records. Original Lineup: Al Hudson: Lead vocals; Dave Roberson: Guitar/arranger; Kevin McCord: Bass; Cortez Harris: Guitar; Gregory Greene: Drums; Jonathan "Corky" Meadows: Keyboards.
The group released three albums in the late 1970s before their major commercial breakthrough:- Especially for You (1977): Their debut LP on ABC Records; Cherish (1977): Their second studio effort; Spreading Love (1978): This album featured the single "Spread Love," which became a major club hit, particularly in the UK; Happy Feet (1979): Released under the name Al Hudson and the Partners, this album featured the massive disco-funk hit "You Can Do It," which reached the Top 15 in the UK and Top 10 on the U.S. Billboard Disco chart.
In 1979, the group added female vocalist Alicia Myers and transitioned to MCA Records. This led to a rebranding, first as One Way Featuring Al Hudson and later simply as One Way. As One Way, they became funk legends in the 1980s with hits like:
"Cutie Pie" (1982) was their biggest commercial success, reaching #4 on the Billboard Soul Singles chart. "Mr. Groove" (1984) was another top-tier R&B hit.
After moving to Capitol Records for their final 80s album, A New Beginning (1988), the group faded from the recording scene but continued to tour.
In 2019, after a 31-year break, the group released a new album titled #new Old School on Expansion Records. As of 2025, Al Hudson remains the helm of the group's legacy, having celebrated his 71st birthday in June.
Especially For You
Written-By – Philippe Wynn 3:38
A2 Real Love
Written-By – Russ Stringer 3:31
A3 You're So Wonderful
Written-By – Al Perkins 2:40
A4 Feelings
Written-By – Morris Albert 5:55
B1 Baby Let Me Love You
Written-By – Al Perkins 3:22
B2 Trying To Prove My Love
Written-By – Al Perkins 2:38
B3 Disco Lover
Written-By – Al Perkins 2:47
B4 Let's Disco
Written-By – Al Perkins 2:45
B5 When Something's Wrong With My Baby
Written-By – I. Hayes/D. Porter 2:36
Label: ABC Records – AB-1001
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Especially For You is the 1977 debut album by the Detroit-based R&B/funk group Al Hudson & The Soul Partners. It is considered a classic example of 1970s soul, disco, and funk grooves.
The album features a mix of mid-tempo soul, upbeat funk, and disco tracks. It is noted for its quality 70s grooves, characterized by solid, "bone-fat" drums, relaxed melodies, tight arrangements, and soulful vocals. The production was handled by Al Perkins, with arrangements by Jimmy Roach, and the recording took place at United Sound in Detroit.
The music on the album showcases an evolution from the funk bands of the previous generation to a more sophisticated, dance-oriented sound, which later paved the way for the group's transition into the successful funk band One Way in 1979.
Especially For You is a sought-after album for fans of Detroit modern soul and funk. It, along with their second 1977 album Cherish, has been reissued on CD, often as a combined package, to the delight of collectors. The work on this album helped establish the group's core sound before they achieved international chart success with hits like "You Can Do It" as One Way.