Garth Hudson, the celebrated keyboardist of The Band, passed away at the age of 87. Renowned for his wide-ranging musical styles that enriched rock classics like “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Weight,” and “Rag Mama Rag,” Hudson was a vital figure in American music. His death was announced on The Band’s social media platforms, although further details were not disclosed. For the last period of his life, Hudson resided in a nursing home in upstate New York.
As the oldest and last surviving member of The Band, Hudson contributed his unique sound through a variety of instruments, including piano, synthesizers, and his favored Lowrey organ. Despite occasionally stepping into the spotlight, Hudson often worked in the background, crafting the perfect mood for each piece, whether it was the playful clavinet in “Up on Cripple Creek” or the soulful saxophone in “It Makes No Difference.” He famously showcased his artistry in “Chest Fever” with a captivating organ solo he composed called “The Genetic Method.”
Throughout his career, Hudson witnessed the loss of his fellow bandmates—guitarist Robbie Robertson in 2023, keyboardist-drummer Richard Manuel in 1986, bassist Rick Danko in 1999, and drummer Levon Helm in 2012. The Band earned a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and profoundly shaped modern music by serving as Bob Dylan’s backing group during the mid-’60s.
Originally formed in the early 1960s as a backing ensemble for rock artist Ronnie Hawkins, The Band was initially called The Hawks and consisted of Helm, Hudson, Danko, Manuel, and Robertson. The group honed their craft while performing, first as anonymous musicians for Hawkins and later as dynamic performers alongside Dylan. Their time with Dylan resulted in an innovative mix of sounds that altered the music landscape, leading them to become known simply as “the band” among his entourage.
In 1967, following Dylan’s motorcycle accident, he and The Band found solace in Woodstock, where they recorded a series of sessions in a pink house. This resulted in “The Basement Tapes,” a collection of over 100 songs characterized as early prototypes of “roots” music and “Americana.” Hudson remembered these sessions as collaborative, focused discussions surrounded by storytelling which eventually influenced their songwriting endeavors.
The Band released their iconic album “Music from Big Pink” shortly after Dylan’s return to the stage with “John Wesley Harding.” The Band’s sound deviated significantly from the prevailing psychedelic music of the era, garnering acclaim from artists like The Beatles and Eric Clapton. Their self-titled album released in 1969 is often hailed as one of the greatest rock records ever.
Further works by The Band included “Stage Fright,” “Cahoots,” and “Northern Lights/Southern Cross,” with Hudson earning particular recognition for his keyboard contributions. After Robertson opted out of live tours, The Band performed the legendary concert documented in Martin Scorsese’s “The Last Waltz,” featuring numerous music greats. However, tensions arose between Robertson and Helm, leading to the group’s eventual dissolution before the film’s release.
Post-Band, Hudson participated briefly with English band The Call, collaborated on solo projects with various former Band members, and contributed to albums by artists like Van Morrison and Leonard Cohen. He tried his hand at solo work with mixed success, releasing “The Sea to the North” on September 11, 2001. In later years, Hudson led a 12-piece ensemble known as The Best! and organized tribute performances celebrating The Band.
Facing financial difficulties in his later years, Hudson sold his share in The Band and encountered bankruptcy multiple times. He dealt with the foreclosure of his home and storage auctions. He suffered the loss of his wife, singer Maud Hudson, in 2022. Born in Windsor, Ontario, in 1937, Hudson exhibited musical talent as a child and transitioned from classical music to rock with the Capers by his early twenties.
Joining The Band as the last member, Hudson secured his place by being hired as a “musical consultant,” a role that allowed him to blend his classical training with rock influences. He regarded his time with the group as fulfilling his job to enhance their musical output alongside talented lyricists. Hudson’s legacy as a pioneering musician who shaped American rock will undoubtedly endure.
