Garth Hudson, Last Living Founding Member of The Band...
Garth Hudson, Last Living Founding Member of The Band, Dies at 87
Garth Hudson, the legendary keyboardist and saxophonist who co-founded The Band, has passed away at the age of 87.
Known for his groundbreaking contributions to music, Hudson died peacefully in his sleep after a lengthy illness Tuesday morning at a nursing home in Woodstock, N.Y.
Hudson, celebrated as a musical visionary, was the architect behind The Band’s iconic dual keyboard sound.
From his commanding Lowrey organ intro on “Chest Fever” to his masterful contributions to classics like “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “The Weight,” his influence on the group’s sound was undeniable.
Born in Windsor, Ontario, on August 2, 1937, and raised in London, Ontario, Hudson’s musical journey began early, with piano lessons at age five.
His parents, both musicians, nurtured his talent, leading him to study at the Toronto Conservatory.
His versatility extended beyond the organ to piano, accordion, saxophone, and trumpet, making him the Band’s secret weapon.
Hudson’s career highlights include his work with Levon and the Hawks supporting Ronnie Hawkins and his collaboration with Bob Dylan during Dylan’s shift from acoustic folk to rock.
It was Hudson who engineered Dylan’s famed “Basement Tapes” in the house known as Big Pink, laying the foundation for The Band’s 1968 debut album, Music From Big Pink.
Throughout his career, Hudson and The Band released 12 albums, earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Canada’s Walk of Fame.
