Ted & Zelda Hudson grew up in the Ville area of St. Louis Missouri. They both

graduated from Sumner High School, Ted in 1943 and Zelda in 1947. Ted,

determined to work for himself, asked Zelda's parents for her hand in marriage,

with the promise that he would take care of their daughter by being a business

owner. He first bought moving trucks and was fairly successful in the moving and

appliance business. In 1959 they decided to get into the music business,

selling records (45s and albums}, and eventually tapes & CDs. Many artists from

around the country frequented the store when they performed in St. Louis,

because the Embassy was the main ticket seller in the 60's & 70's. The Embassy

also opened a recoding studio and started producing & marketing new artists.

They began manufacturing and distributing those albums for those artists.


The Hudson's wanted to expand even further so they franchised out a few

more stores around the area. They were instrumental in helping other young

entrepreneurs get started in business. They also helped sponsor an annual Easter

egg hunt every year in the city. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson would lend advice and any

connections they could to anyone who conferred with them about business matters.

The were truly an inspiration to those seeking to enter entreprenuership,

proving that it can be done, and successfully. Their success story has been

featured in Black Enterprise, Jet, and many other nationwide publications & magazines.

They have also been featured in books such as "Lift every Voice and Sing", a

book of collective narratives of successful St. Louis African Americans in the

Twentieth Century (by Wesley, Price, & Morris p.44), "Black Elected Officials" {by

the Joint Center of Political Studies), The Life and Hard Times of Chuck Berry, (p.5 ), and books by Bernie Hayes & Nelson George.


Ted Hudson went on to become an Alderman in the Ville area. He worked hard

for his ward trying to make changes for the people's comfort and progression.

His wife Zelda, along with their 5 children (all Sumnerites - Randy class 66, Mike '68. Keith '72, Katherine @77, Ted Jr.@79) took complete control of the

business, as he devoted his time to servicing the community. He died March18,

1999 after 52 years of marriage. Mrs. Hudson died in May of 2007. Their children

continue to run the business today, inspiring and encouraging people to step out

of the box, stop talking about their dreams, and make their dreams a reality. They both were a symbol of positive hope.


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