Garth Hudson, Last Living Member of The Band, Dead at 87

Garth Hudson, the hugely talented multi-instrumentalist best known as The Band‘s keyboard and saxophone player, passed away at the age of 87. The Canadian-American musician was a co-founding member and the last living member of the roots rock group.

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According to the Toronto Star, Hudson died early this morning (January 21) in a nursing home in Woodstock, New York. He left this world peacefully and in his sleep.  

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Hudson started his journey to becoming a major part of musical history when Levon Helm and Ronnie Hawkins recruited him to join The Hawks in 1961. Years later, the group, which included Hudson, Helm, Hawkins, Rick Danko, and Richard Manuel, backed Bob Dylan on the tour that saw him take up the electric guitar for the first time. After parting ways with Dylan, the Hawks became the Band.

After releasing a handful of highly influential albums with tracks like “The Weight,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” and “Up on Cripple Creek,” the Band was ready to hang it up. In 1976, they performed their farewell concert dubbed The Last Waltz.

Garth Hudson’s Life After the Last Waltz

The Band, minus Robertson, came together for a reunion tour in 1983. Three years later, Manuel died. However, the remaining members of the group pressed on. When Danko died in 1999 the Hudson and Helm went their separate ways. Helm would have a successful solo career until he died in 2012, leaving Hudson as the final remaining member of the group’s original lineup.

In 2001, he released his debut solo album The Sea to the North. Later, he would play in the supergroups Burrito Deluxe and the Amazing Rhythm Aces. He also formed a 12-piece band called the Best! with his wife Maud.

Through the years, Garth Hudson was one of the most sought-after session musicians. His ability to play a variety of instruments including the Lowrey organ, saxophone, keyboard, piano, synthesizer, and various woodwinds made him a versatile hire. He recorded with Elton John, Neko Case, the Lemonheads, the Secret Machines, and many more.

Hudson joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 as a member of the Band.

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