Garth Hudson, renowned as the Band’s brilliant multi-instrumentalist and meticulous archivist, has passed away at the age of 87. This devastating news was confirmed by The Toronto Star, which reported that he died peacefully in his sleep at a nursing home in Woodstock, New York. His longtime friend Jan Haust shared with Rolling Stone that “yesterday was a day of music and hand-holding,” underscoring the profound connections he maintained throughout his life.

Hudson was the last surviving member of the iconic group, and his contributions were unparalleled. Levon Helm, a close collaborator, once remarked, “you could take anybody out of the Band ? Robbie [Robertson], Rick [Danko] or him ? and it would still be the Band,” as emphasized by their producer John Simon who stated, “But it wouldn’t be the Band without Garth.” His unique musicality and innovative spirit defined the essence of the group.

Born in Windsor, Ontario, Hudson grew up in a family deeply immersed in music, just two hours away in London. Initially, he pursued a path in classical music before he discovered his passion for rock ‘n’ roll. Hudson recounted, “I played trumpet and saxophone through high school.” His musical journey took a pivotal turn around 1952, when he was captivated by Alan Freed’s Moondog Matinee broadcast from Akron/Cleveland, realizing there was a vibrant musical world beyond his own.

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Hudson’s early career involved performing with various local bands, which eventually led to his recruitment by Ronnie Hawkins. Hudson joined the Hawks, a group that was a precursor to the Band, known for its rockabilly influences. They later toured as Levon and the Hawks, during which Robertson, Danko, and Richard Manuel began their collaboration with Bob Dylan, marking his transition from folk to rock music.

With Helm returning to the fold, the group rebranded as simply the Band and played a pivotal role in shaping the Americana music genre. They released landmark albums such as Music From Big Pink, The Band, and The Basement Tapes, with the latter being a collaboration with Dylan that showcased their artistic evolution.

Reflecting on their musical synergy, Robertson later stated, “We were so locked in, in a musicality, and in a personal way, that we invented something that had a big effect on the course of music.” He emphasized that their lack of focus on trends allowed them to create a distinctive sound that was entirely their own, paving the way for future artists.

The release of The ‘Royal Albert Hall’ Concert in 1998 brought attention to Hudson and the Band’s controversial 1966 tour with Dylan during his electrifying phase. Following this, the group gathered at a pink house in West Saugerties, New York, in the summer of 1967, setting the stage for the genre-defining music that would follow. Hudson took on the role of curator for these sessions, highlighting his deep understanding of the music’s roots.

Bootlegs from these sessions suggested a newfound emphasis on roots music, which became evident in their subsequent official studio recordings; however, The Basement Tapes wouldn’t be released until 1975. By this time, Hudson had firmly established his musical legacy within the Band. His training in piano and music theory endowed him with an exceptional ability to provide intricate accompaniment. He showcased his versatility on tracks like “The Weight” and “Rag Mama Rag,” while also contributing saxophone to “It Makes No Difference,” clavinet to “Up On Cripple Creek,” and accordion on Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece.”

Listen to Garth Hudson’s ‘Genetic Method’

Recognized as the Most Advanced Musician in Rock ‘n’ Roll

Robertson once asserted that “Garth was far and away the most advanced musician in rock ‘n’ roll.” Alongside Helm, Hudson believed they were “really the best band in the world.” His live performances often featured an extended introduction to “Chest Fever,” utilizing a signature Lowrey organ technique known as the “Genetic Method.” In addition, Hudson played all woodwinds and brass on the critically acclaimed but underrated 1975 album Northern Lights-Southern Cross, even as he began to embrace synthesizers.

Hudson’s demeanor was at times professorial, often leaving interviewers puzzled. In his later years, he preferred to converse only after midnight, occasionally drifting into song mid-answer, or choosing to remain silent altogether.

During a memorable discussion about The Basement Tapes, BBC radio host Justin Webb inquired about the atmosphere during those sessions. Hudson’s response was simple yet profound: “We were thinking, from beginning to end, that Bob Dylan was cool.” When pressed further about Dylan’s mood, Hudson firmly stated, “As I told you, he was cool,” highlighting his respect for the enigmatic artist.

After the iconic farewell concert The Last Waltz, which marked the end of the Band’s original lineup, Hudson continued to work as a session musician. His impressive collaborations included notable appearances on Van Morrison’s Wavelength and Leonard Cohen’s Recent Songs. Additionally, he played saxophone and accordion during Roger Waters’ monumental 1990 concert performance of Pink Floyd’s The Wall in Berlin, an event that symbolized the reunification of Germany.

The Band’s Garth Hudson Returns to Big Pink

Highlights from Garth Hudson’s Final Performances

In the 1980s, the Band reunited without Robertson for a series of tours, resulting in the release of three albums, starting with 1993’s Jericho. Their legacy was further solidified when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Hudson played a significant role in co-producing and contributing to Burrito Deluxe’s 2004 album The Whole Enchilada, collaborating with Sneaky Pete Kleinow of the Flying Burrito Brothers. He also toured with his wife, Sister Maud, alongside an 11-piece band while supporting solo projects by Robertson, Danko, and Helm.

In 2013, Hudson performed “When I Paint My Masterpiece” with John Prine and “Chest Fever” with Dierks Bentley during the all-star concert Love for Levon. His contributions were integral to the retrospective compilation The Bootleg Series Vol. 11: The Basement Tapes Complete, which offered a comprehensive look at their historical recordings. He joined Warren Haynes on stage in 2017 for The Last Waltz 40 Tour: A Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of ‘The Last Waltz’, further commemorating the Band’s enduring impact on music.

Although Hudson recorded occasionally as a leader, his first solo project, Music for Our Lady Queen of the Angels, was released in 1980, with his next album, The Sea to the North, arriving in 2001. In 2005, he released Live at the Wolf, recorded in his hometown of London, Ontario. One of his most celebrated works was Garth Hudson Presents: A Canadian Celebration of the Band, released in 2010, where he collaborated with notable artists such as Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn, and Cowboy Junkies to reimagine classic Band material.

Hudson’s artistic contributions extended well beyond traditional roots music, as he collaborated with a diverse array of artists across genres. His work with Wilco, Neko Case, the Call, Cyndi Lauper, Daniel Lanois, Muddy Waters, North Mississippi All-Stars, and the Lemonheads showcased his versatility and passion. His last public performance took place in April 2023, where he performed Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Lady” at a house concert in Kingston, New York. Throughout his life, Hudson witnessed the passing of his fellow Band members: Manuel in 1986, Danko in 1999, Helm in 2012, and Robertson in 2023.

Remembering Garth Hudson on the ‘UCR Podcast’