The music world mourns the loss of Garth Hudson, the final surviving member of the iconic Canadian-American rock group, The Band. His passing was confirmed on Tuesday by The Canadian Press, citing Hudson's close friend, Jan Haust. Hudson had been residing in a nursing home in upstate New York. Further details surrounding his death were not immediately released.
The Band's legacy was solidified with their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Sadly, Hudson's bandmates preceded him in death: Robbie Robertson (guitarist and primary songwriter) passed in 2023, Richard Manuel (keyboardist and drummer) in 1986, Rick Danko (bassist) in 1999, and Levon Helm (drummer) in 2012.
Born in Ontario, Hudson's musical journey began early with formal training and songwriting in his youth. He was the last musician to join The Band, which originated in the 1960s. Initially known as The Hawks, the group comprised Arkansas-born Levon Helm and four Canadian musicians: Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and eventually, Garth Hudson.
The Band honed their skills through countless performances, first in obscurity and then amidst controversy after collaborating with Bob Dylan in the mid-1960s. Joining Dylan on his groundbreaking 1965-66 tours (Helm left mid-tour), they helped create some of the era's most electrifying and divisive music. This collaboration, while alienating some of Dylan's existing fans, drew in a new generation. The group adopted the name “The Band” partly because they were often referred to simply as "the band" backing Dylan.
Beyond The Band, Hudson's musical contributions extended to collaborations with the English band, the Call, as well as various iterations of The Band. His keyboard prowess also graced recordings by renowned artists like Van Morrison, Leonard Cohen, and Emmylou Harris.
