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Garth Hudson, the sole remaining member of The Band, has died at 87.

Garth Hudson, the last surviving founding member of The Band, has died at the age of 87.

The versatile musician, celebrated for his work on keyboards and saxophone with the legendary 1960s folk-rock group and Bob Dylan, passed away peacefully in his sleep at a nursing home in Woodstock, New York. The news was confirmed by the executor of his estate to the Toronto Star.

Hudson’s organ playing was a cornerstone of The Band’s unique sound, blending soulful and melancholic tones. His psychedelic intro on “Chest Fever” became iconic, while his accordion work on Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece” showcased his range as a musician. Beyond performing, Hudson played a pivotal role in music history by recording and archiving The Basement Tapes, a collection of informal sessions with Dylan and The Band in a house in upstate New York.

Born in Windsor, Ontario, in 1937, Garth Hudson grew up in a family of musicians. He began playing church organ, piano, and accordion as a child and composed his first song at age 11. During his teenage years, his family moved to London, Ontario, where he joined a local group that later became known as the Kapers.

It was here that Hudson caught the attention of Ronnie Hawkins and Levon Helm, who wanted him to join their group, the Hawks. At first, Hudson declined, as he intended to become a music teacher. However, he eventually agreed to join under the condition that he could teach music theory to the other band members. Alongside Helm, Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, and Richard Manuel, Hudson helped form the core of the group that would later split from Hawkins in 1963 and reemerge as The Band.

While still performing as the Hawks, they were recruited by Bob Dylan to serve as his backing band. Dylan had recently embraced electric guitar, sparking outrage among folk music fans. Hudson was on stage during Dylan’s infamous Manchester Free Trade Hall show, where a fan shouted “Judas!”

After touring with Dylan, The Band settled in a pink house in Saugerties, New York, in 1967. It was there they created their debut album, Music from Big Pink, and collaborated with Dylan on songs that became part of The Basement Tapes. The sessions included classics like “I Shall Be Released” and “Tears of Rage.” Hudson set up the recording equipment himself, creating a relaxed and intimate studio in the house’s basement. Bob Dylan later described the setup, saying, “That’s really the way to do a recording… in a peaceful, relaxed setting – in somebody’s basement.”

Hudson’s innovative approach to recording included experimenting with instruments, like running a clavinet through a wah-wah pedal, producing the funky, distinctive sound on “Up on Cripple Creek.”

The Band released seven studio albums between 1968 and 1977, including their self-titled second album and Stage Fright, both of which reached the U.S. Top 10. They concluded their initial run with The Last Waltz, an iconic farewell concert captured on film by Martin Scorsese. Hudson later reunited with The Band in 1983 and recorded three more albums with them in the 1990s.

In addition to his work with The Band, Hudson collaborated with renowned artists like Emmylou Harris, Van Morrison, and Leonard Cohen. In 1990, he performed in Berlin with Roger Waters for The Wall, alongside his bandmates and other star musicians. Although he didn’t release much solo material, his 2001 album The Sea to the North highlighted his creativity and talent.

Hudson’s contributions to music earned him significant recognition. In 1994, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Band, and in 2008, the group received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Hudson continued to inspire younger artists, collaborating with indie rock musicians like Neko Case and Secret Machines in his later years. In 2010, he released Garth Hudson Presents: A Canadian Celebration of The Band, featuring covers of Band classics with contributions from Neil Young and others.

Garth Hudson’s impact on music as a performer, innovator, and archivist is undeniable. His legacy will live on as a testament to his passion, creativity, and enduring artistry.

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