Garth Hudson, The Band’s quirky and beloved musical jackknife, dead at 87
Garth Hudson, the multi-instrumentalist wizard of The Band, has passed away at the age of 87. His friend, Jan Haust, confirmed his death to The Canadian Press, and The Band’s Facebook page also announced the news. Hudson had been living in an assisted living facility in New York state in recent years.
Hudson was the last member to join The Band, originally starting out as the backing band for Ronnie Hawkins. Eventually, they left Hawkins and went on to back Bob Dylan before launching their own recording career in 1968. Hudson, the only classically trained member of the group, played a variety of instruments including accordion, clavinet, saxophone, and synthesizer, but was best known for his work on the Lowrey organ.
His unique sounds and musical talents helped shape The Band’s iconic sound, leading to the success of albums like “Music From Big Pink” and “The Band,” both of which are considered classics. Hudson’s contributions to songs like “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “The Weight” inspired countless cover versions and solidified The Band’s place in music history.
Despite his quiet demeanor, Hudson’s musical genius and quirky personality endeared him to his bandmates and fans alike. He was known for his ability to sweeten the band’s recordings and create rich, orchestral sounds with his organ playing. His contributions to The Band’s music were invaluable, and his presence was sorely missed after the group disbanded in 1976.
In the years following The Band’s breakup, Hudson continued to make music, releasing solo albums and guesting on numerous projects. His talents were in high demand, and he collaborated with a diverse range of artists, showcasing his versatility and skill across various genres.
Hudson’s legacy as a musical pioneer and talented multi-instrumentalist will live on through his timeless recordings with The Band and his contributions to the music industry as a whole. His unique insight and wry humor will be remembered by those who knew him, and his influence will continue to inspire future generations of musicians. Garth Hudson may have left us, but his music and spirit will always remain.
