By By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
CHOCOWINITY — A work site accident that could have meant the end of Lee Hudson’s goal of a career in the entertainment field has only strengthened his resolve to pursue his dreams.
Two years ago, Hudson was gassed with two different chemicals while working as a welder. It was the beginning of a nightmare for the 37-year-old Chocowinity native.
“That happened on a Tuesday and by Friday I had completely lost my memory and became violent,” Hudson said. “It was mind-altering, and I lost my motor skills and had seizures.”
But faith and family gave Hudson the props to begin the long road to recovery.
“I want to thank God because if it wasn’t for Him I’d have never made it through it,” he said. “And I thank my wife, most especially. She was there for me all the way. She stuck with me.”
Hudson is still recovering from the accident, which led to hospital stays, countless doctor visits and treatment with medications. It wasn’t easy, he said.
“The medication was about as bad as being gassed,” Hudson recalled. “It made me feel like a zombie.”
Aside from the effects on his daily routine, Hudson also had to deal with how the accident put the skids on his music career.
“I couldn’t remember lyrics and I basically lost all my playing ability,” he said. “I knew over 150 songs, and thank God they finally came back to me.”
Last month, Hudson took the plunge and performed in public for the first time since the accident. He was named as a finalist for the Colgate Country Showdown hosted by the Grand Ole Gospel theater in Chocowinity.
“Up until the accident, I was playing about every weekend,” he said. “The Showdown was a real emotional experience for me. My whole family was there that night and they challenged me to do it. I’m basically rebuilding my career from the ground up.”
Hudson didn’t win, but the evening marked a new beginning for him and he said he’s ready to put his music career back on track.
Hudson’s love of music began at an early age.
“I did my first talent show when I was in the fourth grade at John Small School, and I won that,” he said with a smile. “But I was already playing guitar before I did that.”
He put together his first band, which he called Main Street Band, in 1999. The son of Donnie and Doris Hudson of Washington, he said his father inspired his interest in music. And his uncle, Johnny Pinkham, instilled in him a love of the blues.
Hudson has performed for weddings, funerals, private parties, clubs and Moose Lodge events. Six years ago he formed a new band called Str8 Shooter; after the accident the group disbanded but Hudson recently recruited several new members and Str8 Shooter is slated to perform during a poker run fundraiser at Chocowinity’s Sunset Lounge on Oct. 10.
Hudson said his goals also include performing at the Turnage Theater and he wouldn’t mind another turn on the Grand Ole Gospel stage. He’s also eying a shot at becoming the next Beaufort County Idol and has expressed an interest in taking part in the next round of auditions.
Along with playing and singing, Hudson is an accomplished songwriter; in fact, he performed two original tunes — “Hello Highway” and “My Life I Live” — during the Country Showdown event. He and his wife, Stacey, have been married for 17 years and are the parents of two daughters, 14-year-old Cheyenne and 3-year-old Leana. Both girls have inherited their father’s love of music.
Hudson attends Vineyard Community Church in Chocowinity and when he isn’t working as a welder with C.A. Lewis Construction he enjoys hunting, fishing and cooking. But the lure of the bright lights of show business is always in the back of his mind.
“I hope to someday go to Nashville and pursue my career professionally,” he said.