Rahaman Hudson is an American jazz singer who performs under the stage name “Rahi High.” He is the eldest son of actor Ernie Hudson — known for Ghostbusters, HBO’s Oz, and NBC’s Quantum Leap — and has built a two-decade career in jazz independent of his father’s Hollywood profile. He has released two studio albums, performed at international festivals, and become a fixture of Brooklyn’s live jazz scene.
Table Of Content
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rahaman Hudson |
| Stage Name | Rahi High |
| Date of Birth | September 1968 |
| Age | 57 (as of August 2026) |
| Profession | Jazz singer, songwriter, musician |
| Nationality | American |
| Active Years | 2005–present |
| Known For | Blending jazz, soul, and classic rock in intimate live settings |
| Albums | Snapshot (2006), The Songcrafter Album (2012) |
| Father | Ernie Hudson (actor) |
| Children | Two — a son (Thorn) and a daughter (Najeeta) |
| Based In | Brooklyn, New York |
Early Life and Family Background
Childhood and Parents’ Divorce
Rahaman Hudson was born in September 1968 to actor Ernie Hudson and Jeannie Moore. His parents divorced in 1976, when Rahaman was eight. After the split, he and his brother Ernie Hudson Jr. moved to California with their father.
Ernie Hudson later married Linda Kingsberg, and Rahaman gained two half-brothers — Andrew and Ross. In total, Ernie Hudson has four sons.
Growing up around sets and studios, Rahaman was exposed to entertainment early. But his draw was music — jazz, soul, and classic rock — not acting.
The Hudson Family in Entertainment
The Hudson family has deep roots in film and television. Ernie Hudson built a career spanning over four decades, from Ghostbusters (1984) to playing Warden Leo Glynn on HBO’s Oz (1997–2003) and Herbert “Magic” Williams on NBC’s Quantum Leap (2022–2024). As of 2026, he plays Reverend Peters in Boston Blue, a Blue Bloods spin-off starring Donnie Wahlberg.
Ernie Hudson Jr., Rahaman’s brother, also appeared on Oz, co-starring as Muslim inmate Hamid Khan alongside their father — a rare instance of real family members playing on-screen counterparts in a major HBO drama.
Rahaman took a different path. While his father and brother built careers in acting, he chose music — specifically jazz — and pursued it on his own terms.
Education and the Pivot to Music
In the early 1990s, Rahaman enrolled in the film program at Columbia University in New York. During this period, he worked as a production assistant on The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992), a thriller in which his father had a role.
The work gave him practical experience in professional filmmaking — understanding timing, production flow, and the mechanics of a working set. It also confirmed that his creative interests lay elsewhere.
By the mid-1990s, he had shifted his focus fully toward music.
Musical Style and Influences
Rahaman Hudson’s sound sits at the intersection of jazz, soul, and classic rock. His vocal approach favors warmth and phrasing over technical acrobatics. He plays keyboard, woodwind, and occasionally horn, and typically performs with a handheld microphone in close-quarters venues.
His songwriting emphasizes craft — melody, lyrical structure, and emotional directness. He has drawn comparisons to vocal jazz traditions that prioritize storytelling over improvisation, though his classic rock and soul influences give his recordings a harder edge than standard jazz fare.
On stage, he frequently performs alongside seasoned horn players, layering brass over his vocal lines. His live sets often include improvisational stretches, and he has led open jam sessions in Brooklyn lofts, working with emerging singers and testing new material in real time.
Discography
| Album | Year | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snapshot | 2006 | Studio album | Debut release. Introduced his melodic, songwriting-first approach to jazz. Earned positive reception from jazz listeners and regional critics. |
| The Songcrafter Album | 2012 | Studio album | Fused soulful ballads with playful scat vocal work. Landed on regional jazz playlists across the United States. |
Snapshot established Rahaman’s identity as a songwriter and composer, not just a vocalist. The album leaned on melodic hooks, clean production, and a blend of jazz harmony with soul and rock textures.
The Songcrafter Album expanded on that foundation. The title reflected how he viewed his role: as someone who crafts songs, not just performs them. The album moved between slower, soul-influenced ballads and more rhythmically playful tracks with scat singing.
No third album has been publicly announced as of August 2026.
Performance Career
Three Crown Studio and the Brooklyn Jazz Scene
Three Crown Studio in Brooklyn became Rahaman’s primary performance base. The venue’s intimate format — small rooms, close audience proximity — suited his preference for direct connection over large-stage production.
He hosted monthly sets at the venue, building a local following over repeated appearances. He also led jam sessions in a public loft space, using the sessions to workshop new material and collaborate with other musicians.
Brooklyn’s jazz scene has long been sustained by a network of small venues and independent musicians who perform for the craft rather than commercial reward. As one jazz musician has noted, jazz “hasn’t been a popular music” since the bebop era, and for performers, “there’s seldom the monetary compensation for all the time and effort it takes to refine the craft. The rewards are the experience.”
Rahaman’s career fits this pattern — consistent live performance, independent production, and a growing but niche audience.
Festival Appearances
In 2010, Rahaman performed at the Tobago Jazz Experience, an annual Caribbean jazz festival. The appearance expanded his visibility beyond the New York circuit and placed him in front of an international audience.
He has also performed at jazz clubs in Manhattan, sharing the stage with experienced horn players and blending his vocal style with brass and string arrangements.
Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Born in September to Ernie Hudson and Jeannie Moore |
| 1976 | Parents divorce; moves to California with father and brother |
| Early 1990s | Enrolls in Columbia University film program |
| 1992 | Works as production assistant on The Hand That Rocks the Cradle |
| Mid-1990s | Shifts focus from film to music |
| 2005 | Commits to music professionally; adopts stage name “Rahi High” |
| 2006 | Releases debut album Snapshot |
| 2010 | Performs at Tobago Jazz Experience |
| 2012 | Releases second album The Songcrafter Album |
| 2012–present | Continues live performances; no third album announced |
Personal Life
Rahaman Hudson has two children: a son named Thorn and a daughter named Najeeta. He keeps his personal relationships private and maintains a minimal public social media presence.
He and his father share a close bond. Ernie Hudson has spoken in interviews about prioritizing family alongside his acting career, and the two have been seen together at Rahaman’s performances. After the 1976 divorce, Ernie Hudson raised his sons as a single father before remarrying — and those early years of closeness shaped the family dynamic that persists today.
Where Is Rahaman Hudson Now?
Public information about Rahaman Hudson’s activity after 2012 is limited. No third album has been announced, and he does not maintain a prominent public presence on major social media platforms or streaming services.
His father, Ernie Hudson, has remained active in high-profile television — appearing on Quantum Leap (2022–2024) and joining the cast of Boston Blue as of 2026 — but Rahaman has not appeared in connection with these projects.
For the latest information on Rahi High’s music or performance schedule, check jazz venue listings in the Brooklyn and New York area, or search for “Rahi High” on music platforms — availability may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rahaman Hudson?
Rahaman Hudson is an American jazz singer who performs as “Rahi High.” He is the eldest son of actor Ernie Hudson and has released two studio albums: Snapshot (2006) and The Songcrafter Album (2012). He is based in Brooklyn, New York.
What is Rahi High’s real name?
Rahi High is the stage name of Rahaman Hudson.
How is Rahaman Hudson related to Ernie Hudson?
Rahaman Hudson is the eldest son of actor Ernie Hudson. Ernie Hudson is best known for playing Winston Zeddemore in the Ghostbusters films, Warden Leo Glynn on HBO’s Oz, and Magic Williams on NBC’s Quantum Leap.
What kind of music does Rahi High make?
Rahi High’s music blends jazz, soul, and classic rock. His style emphasizes melodic songwriting, warm vocals, and live performance in intimate venues. He plays keyboard and woodwind, and often performs with horn players.
Where can I listen to Rahi High’s music?
His two albums — Snapshot and The Songcrafter Album — may be available on select music platforms. Search for “Rahi High” on Spotify, Apple Music, or Bandcamp. Availability is not guaranteed on all platforms.
Is Rahaman Hudson still making music?
There is no public confirmation of a third album or a regular performance schedule as of August 2026. His last known studio release was The Songcrafter Album in 2012.
Is Rahaman Hudson related to Jennifer Hudson?
No. Rahaman Hudson and Jennifer Hudson share a surname but have no family connection. Rahaman is the son of actor Ernie Hudson; Jennifer Hudson is an unrelated singer and actress.
Does Rahaman Hudson have siblings?
Yes. He has one full brother, Ernie Hudson Jr., who appeared on HBO’s Oz. He also has two half-brothers, Andrew and Ross, from his father’s second marriage to Linda Kingsberg.
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