Garth Hudson, the legendary keyboardist and musician from The Band, has died at the age of 87. He was the last surviving member of the influential group that backed Bob Dylan during the 1960s.
Hudson’s unique sound, which spanned classical, folk, and rock genres, added a distinctive touch to iconic songs like “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Weight,” and “Rag Mama Rag.” His mastery of instruments such as keyboards, synthesizers, horns, and the Lowrey organ made him an invaluable contributor to The Band’s music.
Formed in the early 1960s, The Band consisted of Hudson, bassist Rick Danko, drummer Levon Helm, and guitarist Robbie Robertson. They were initially a backing group for rocker Ronnie Hawkins before teaming up with Dylan, leading to some of the most influential music of the time.
The band’s chemistry and camaraderie resulted in some of the greatest rock albums of all time, including “Music from Big Pink,” “Stage Fright,” and their self-titled 1969 album. Hudson played on many of these records, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
After The Band disbanded, Hudson pursued solo projects, collaborated with other artists, and even organized tribute concerts featuring Canadian musicians like Neil Young and Bruce Cockburn. Despite struggling financially in recent years, Hudson’s legacy as a master instrumentalist will be remembered for generations to come.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/garth-hudson-died-87-band-2c5cfc1d960e4c24854894c08902ee4e