Garth Hudson, The Band’s Last Surviving Member, Dies at 87
A Life of Music and Legacy
Garth Hudson, the virtuoso keyboardist and all-around musician of the influential group The Band, has died at the age of 87. Hudson was the eldest and last surviving member of the group that once backed Bob Dylan. His death was confirmed by The Canadian Press, which cited Hudson’s friend, Jan Haust.
A Unique Sound
Hudson was a classically trained performer and self-educated Greek chorus who spoke through piano, synthesizers, horns, and his favored Lowrey organ. He drew from a unique palette of sounds and styles to add a conversational touch to such rock standards as “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Weight” and “Rag Mama Rag.” Whether the tipsy clavinet and wah-wah pedal on “Up on Cripple Creek,” the galloping piano on “Rag Mama Rag” or the melancholy saxophone on “It Makes No Difference,” Hudson summoned just the right feeling or shading.
A Showman in the Background
The only non-singer among five musicians celebrated for their camaraderie, texture, and versatility, Hudson mostly loomed in the background. However, he did have one showcase: “Chest Fever,” a Robbie Robertson composition for which he devised an introductory organ solo (“The Genetic Method”), an eclectic sampling of moods and melodies that segued into the song’s hard rock riff.
A Legacy of Music
The Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Formed in the early 1960s as a backing group for rocker Ronnie Hawkins, the Band was originally called The Hawks and featured the Arkansas-born Levon Helm and four Canadians recruited by Helm and Hawkins: Hudson, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Robertson.
A Life of Music and Legacy
Throughout his career, Hudson played with various bands, including the Call, and appeared with various latter incarnations of The Band. He also organized his own projects, including a 12-piece band called The Best! and a tribute to The Band featuring Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn, and other Canadian musicians.
Conclusion
Garth Hudson’s passing marks the end of an era for The Band, but his legacy will live on through the music he created with his fellow band members. His unique sound and style will continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
FAQs
Q: What was Garth Hudson’s role in The Band?
A: Hudson was the keyboardist and all-around musician of The Band.
Q: What was Hudson’s contribution to The Band’s music?
A: Hudson drew from a unique palette of sounds and styles to add a conversational touch to The Band’s music.
Q: What was Hudson’s relationship with Bob Dylan?
A: Hudson was a member of The Band, which backed Bob Dylan on his historic tours of 1965-66.
Q: What was Hudson’s later life like?
A: Hudson struggled financially and lost one home to foreclosure. He also went bankrupt several times and saw many of his belongings put up for auction.
