Chauncey Hudson is following his dream. He’s a motivated business owner, a devoted father, and a rising Southern Soul artist. As time permits, he travels and performs under the pseudonym of Chauncey Likes.
The 37-year-old Noxapater resident admits he decided late to pursue a musical career. However, he’s gaining popularity in his home state of Mississippi, and in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. His Chauncey Likes singles are available on all social media platforms, including YouTube, and available on Spotify and other streaming platforms.
Hudson initially became an R&B performer in 2012, and by 2022, he transitioned to Southern Soul, a genre that blends styles of blues and R&B with strong gospel influences.
“Southern Soul is steadily rising, and I think I’ve picked a great time to be a part of the excitement,” said Hudson. “It really is all about the soulfulness of the voice.”
Although Hudson admits he wasn’t hungry for success until now, he doesn’t worry about becoming the top Southern Soul artist. He simply focuses on making the most positive impact he can in the lives of those his music touches, including the children he encourages by imparting to them to find their calling and pursue a good purpose.
He said, “The people of Winston County have followed me to shows and given me much love and support, and I want to continue to entertain them as Chauncey Likes and make them proud.”
Hudson was born in Louisville. He attended school in Louisville up until the eighth grade. He moved to Noxapater to finish school at Noxapater Attendance Center, while living with his dad, stepmother, and paternal grandparents, the late Jessie James Hudson, Sr. and Addie Mae Haynes. For college, he studied electrical and electronics engineering for a time at Mississippi State University.
Hudson’s grandparents and his church were solid influences in his life. He played the drums at Unity Baptist Church, and his grandfather, Jessie James Hudson, Sr., led a gospel group, The Sunset Travelers. Hudson’s dad, Jessie Hudson, Jr., played lead guitar for that group and is now the guitarist and business handler for Chauncey Likes.
Hudson considers himself more of a singer and a writer than a musician. “When I was about 8 or 9, my dad heard me sing in the shower and strongly encouraged me to sing with friends and in groups, and I realized that was part of my intended path,” Hudson recalled.
In Noxapater, Hudson is owner of Chauncey’s Carpet, Rug, and Upholstery Cleaning and Chauncey’s Detail Shop, both operating at 101 Brown Street. The family business began there, where his grandfather originally built antique cars and owned charter buses. Following his grandfather’s death in 2015, Hudson assumed ownership and restructured the business and enhanced the services provided.
Just as Hudson was part of the family business growing up, he’s bringing his children into the fold. He is a proud father of six, three girls, Harleiy, 16; Desire, 14; and Averiana, 7; and three boys, Dalyn, 14; Chauncey Jr., 12; and Deonté, 11.
“I know achieving a balance with my personal and professional life is important. I love being a father, love what I do every day as a business owner, and plan to keep releasing good music as Chauncey Likes. It’s all my passion,” Hudson said.
