Bill Hudson

Bill Hudson was born in Portland, Ore., and with his two brothers — Mark and Brett — formed the musical group the Hudson Brothers. The band had numerous top hits in the ’70s, toured with the Osmond Brothers and sang backup for David Cassidy. Their “Top 40” songs included “So You Are a Star” and “Rendezvous.” In addition to performing and recording, the Hudson Brothers starred in several television shows and the cult movie “Hysterical.”

Bill Hudson is co-founder of Taylor-Made Productions, which has co-produced many hit television shows and films, including both “Father of the Bride” movies. In his personal life, Hudson is the father of actors Oliver and Kate Hudson. Currently, he is enjoying life, continuing to compose and produce music and promoting his new book, Two Versions.

Robin Bronk: If you had five minutes in the Oval Office with President Obama, what would you discuss with him? What issue would you like him to know about?

Bill Hudson: I would discuss mortgage failures, and how to bail the people out. The people of this country were sold a bill of goods beginning in the ’70s, and now we’re paying the price. Our government can, and should, do more to help these people. 

RB: If you could give President Obama one piece of advice, what would that be?

BH: The president was elected because the people, black and white, stood by him — and his rhetoric was about standing by the American people. He has not done this: the mortgage crisis; the cost of healthcare; and the cost of education. Why have the arts, music and sports been eliminated from schools? We are not creating well-rounded children anymore. The president needs to stand by the people.

RB: If you could ask President Obama one question, what would that be? 

BH: How does it make you feel in your heart when you see people, especially children, losing their homes? How can you stand by and watch this happen?

RB: What book would you offer to lend President Obama? Why? 

BH: My book, of course! It’s called Two Versions: The Other Side of Fame and Family. In reality, there are two versions to everything. Even in politics. There’s the Republican version and the Democratic version — though both parties are in support of the giant corporations. And there is the government’s version, and the “people’s” version — which ought to be the same, but they’re not.

RB: If you were going to send the president to one place in the United States for one day, where would that be? Why? 

BH: I would send him to a homeless shelter — especially one that provides for single mothers and their children. There are simply too many people living below the poverty line. Government should be protecting these people.

RB: Would you ever consider a political career?

BH: I did consider a political career at one time. I formed an exploratory committee to run for the 3rd district seat in the House of Representatives from the state of Oregon. But now I’m not sure I would consider running. I’m not in sync with our current political system — I’m not beholden to corporate interests, or any other entity. I think I can do more, with a loud voice, in the private sector. I want to advocate for how the people are served.

Bronk is a seasoned Capitol Hill strategist and advocate. She started her career at The Creative Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy group for the arts and entertainment industry, in July 1998. During her tenure as CEO, Bronk has taken The Creative Coalition from a New York-based entity to a national organization. www.thecreativecoalition.org