Garth Hudson had been the last man standing, the only remaining founder member of The Band. But very sadly he too has now gone. The executor of his estate confirmed to the Toronto Star newspaper that the Canadian multi-instrumentalist and keyboard player had died peacefully in his sleep at the Woodstock nursing home where he had lived. Garth Hudson was 87 years of age.
The other four original members of The Band who had passed away before him were Richard Manuel (1986), Rick Danko (1999), Levon Helm (2012), and Robbie Robertson (2023).
In this month’s copy of Uncut magazine, the English folk-rock musician Richard Thompson said: “The Band was a perfect blend of American roots, rock’n’roll, jazz, Appalachian, gospel, R&B, blues and country. Three great vocalists, rhythm section to die for, wonderful songs, killer guitarist, and a genius behind the keys (Garth Hudson)”
The Canadian-American group (Levon Helm was the only American) had formed in Toronto in 1958. Originally known as The Hawks – backing the American rock & roller Ronnie Hawkins – they came to far wider prominence following their introduction to Bob Dylan in 1964. They famously backed Dylan on his 1966 world tour. The following year, with Dylan, they recorded what would eventually be released as The Basement Tapes.
The Band’s debut album Music From Big Pink was released in 1968 and six more studio albums from the original line-up followed, the last of which Islands was released in 1977. As a live act they bowed out at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco on Thanksgiving Day 1976. A recording of this concert was released two years later as The Last Waltz, the soundtrack to the film of the same name.
Garth Hudson’s musical career continued for almost five decades thereafter, though the genius of his playing may best be remembered within The Band’s discography. If in any doubt about this assertion, please listen to ‘It Makes No Difference’ (from their penultimate studio album, Northern Lights-Southern Cross) where in addition to his beautiful Lowrey electric organ fills he also contributed a brilliant saxophone solo; or ‘This Wheel’s on Fire’ (from The Basement Tapes) to hear the mesmerising sound of his clavinet; or his Bach-influenced organ intro on ‘Chest Fever’ from their imperious debut album.
Hell, just listen to any of those albums by The Band to hear how good he was and just how integral his playing was to their overall sound. It is unquestionably the end of an era.
Main photo: Rick Madonik/Toronto Star
Other photo: Simon Godley
