Dudley began his musical career at the young age of five years old, when he started playing drums in his father’s band.  As he got older, he began to play drums for other acts and  learned to play other instruments. When he was in junior high and high school, if there was an instrument that no one else could play, the band directors would ask him to learn the instrument for the band, because they knew Dudley was very musically talented and could learn an instrument quickly.  Having always been fascinated with the pedal steel guitar, Dudley taught himself to play the instrument and soon became a well known sought after player in the area.

Dudley worked for many major artists over the years. He and his sister worked with the Loretta Lynn Show in their younger years.  Dudley tried the Nashville music scene numerous times, where he often found himself on the road. Dudley was known as a gofer. He had a day job as a sound engineer and when an artist needed a steel player for a job or two, he would go.  Dudley has played with such notable acts as Gary Stewart, Johnny Paycheck, George Jones, Kitty Wells, Hank Thompson, and a host of others.

​​​​​​​Dudley has always had a passion for music, whether it be performing, writing songs, or playing steel guitar.  With the support of his family, Dudley launched Rice Creek Records - an independent record label; DC2 Studios - a recording studio; and Inspired Works Publishing.
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Dudley served in the military and is a DAV.  His song, “Should I Kneel or Should I Stand,” has touched many people around the country, especially veterans, troops, and police officers.