The Canadian keyboard and saxophonist left an innovative musical legacy that has influenced generations
Musical debuts and formation of the Band
Garth Hudson, keyboardist, saxophonist and accordionist who was part of the legendary The Band, died at the age of 87 this Tuesday (1/21), while sleeping in a nursing home in Woodstock, New York. The announcement was made by the administrator of his estate to The Toronto Star newspaper.
Born in Windsor, Ontario on August 2, 1937, Hudson began his musical education with piano and organ lessons at a young age, playing at churches and funerals. As a teenager he studied classical music and soon distinguished himself as a multi-instrumentalist in dance groups. In 1961, he joined the group that would become The Band, along with Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel, initially acting as Bob Dylan’s backing band.
Rise and impact with The Band
The band released its first album, “Music From Big Pink”, in 1968, marking the beginning of an innovative trajectory in American rock and roots music. Among the album’s highlights, “Chest Fever” featured an organ introduction inspired by Hudson’s classical style, which became emblematic of his live shows.
The group achieved great success with songs such as “The Weight”, “Up on Cripple Creek” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”, all imbued with the sophistication of Hudson’s arrangements. The band concluded its activities with a legendary Thanksgiving show in 1976, recorded in the documentary “The Last Waltz”, directed by Martin Scorsese.
Solo career and cinematic contributions
After the band’s breakup, Hudson maintained an active solo career and contributed to soundtracks, including Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull” (1980) and Philip Kaufman’s “The Elect” (1983). He also participated in sporadic reunions with the surviving members of the Band and released the solo album “The Sea to the North” in 2001.
In addition to being a musician, Hudson has mentored other artists, sharing his extensive knowledge of harmony and arrangements. He was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2019, recognizing his unique contributions to music and his support of new talent.
The last years and the legacy
Despite facing financial and personal challenges throughout his life, Hudson maintained his dedication to music. In 2023, he moved fans by playing piano from a wheelchair during an intimate concert in Kingston, New York, and leaves an incomparable legacy as a pioneer of musical arrangements and textures, influencing generations of musicians across genres.
Garth Hudson was the last surviving member of the Band’s classic lineup. He died five months after Robbie Robertson, the group’s lead guitarist and songwriter, died last August at age 80 in Los Angeles from complications from a long battle with cancer.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
