Joe Hudson was born in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky where he still resides today with his wife Stacey and daughter Shelby.

Hudson began playing guitar at the age of 13, focusing on Rock and Southern Rock. In 2007, he began to branch out and became a student of Thumbpicking, a style of guitar that started in Muhlenberg County.  He began by seeking instruction from well-known Thumbpicker and all-around great guitarist Steve Rector. This new focus continued to open up more possibilities on the guitar than ever before.  Hudson still strives on a daily basis to improve as a guitar player while focusing on being versatile in his style.

Hudson has since played in numerous bands and shared stages with many well-known performers covering a wide range of styles. He is currently the lead guitar player for up-and-coming Country Music artist Corey Farlow, and has also teamed up with Actor/Singer John Schneider, who he performed alongside at the Ryman Auditorium Grand Ole Opry. The ability to back up an artist and play the songs as they were originally recorded is Hudson’s strength, but he is right at home “shooting from the hip” if needed.

Awards to Hudson’s credit include: Horizon Award Winner in 2009, President’s Award in 2014, Co-Thumbpicker of the year in 2015, and Thumbpicker of the Year in 2016 by the fans and voting members of the National Thumpickers Hall of Fame.