By ETT Garth Hudson, Member of The Band, Dies at 87
Garth Hudson, the last surviving founding member of the beloved roots-rock ensemble The Band, has died. He was 87 years old. His close friend, Jan Haust, confirmed the news.
Early Life and Career
Hudson was born in Windsor, Ontario, in 1937. His parents were multi-instrumentalists and supported his musical talents. Initially, he declined to join The Band, but eventually agreed under special conditions, including extra pay to teach music lessons to the other members. The group worked as the backing band for Ronnie Hawkins before meeting Bob Dylan and touring with him.
The Band’s Success
In 1967, the group moved to Big Pink in upstate New York, where they recorded over 100 songs with Dylan and developed material for their debut album, Music from Big Pink. Hudson’s unique playing style on the Lowrey organ and clavinet gave The Band’s music its distinct sound.
Post-Band Career
After The Band’s disbandment in 1976, Hudson continued playing with various iterations of the group. He also worked as a session musician for artists like Norah Jones and Neko Case. In 2023, he performed publicly after several years at a concert hosted by Sarah Power.
Legacy and Impact
Canadian writer Harry Hew praised Hudson’s musical abilities, saying, ‘Music is his first language.’ Despite being in his own world, Hudson found a way to communicate with the world through his music. His influence on The Band’s sound is undeniable, and he will be remembered as a true musical innovator.