much though Garth Hudson’s passing earlier this week would have been devastating, rock fans were made much more upset by the circumstances surrounding it.
Because the world lost the last surviving member of the renowned band The Band in addition to a gifted performer in the 87-year-old. Founders Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Robbie Robertson, and Levon Helm died before Hudson.
Hudson passed away in his sleep at a Woodstock, New York, nursing facility, according to the Toronto Star.
He was well-known for playing the saxophone, keyboard, and accordion, among other instruments, for the group.
In a statement, the band’s X account wrote, “Today, we say goodbye to Garth Honey Boy Hudson, the last living original member of The Band.” “I found some true enjoyment in helping people get to the bottom of their feelings,” Garth, a musical talent and a key component of the group’s ageless sound, once said.
He went on to say, “He did just that through his music, helping us all feel more deeply and connect to something greater.” Garth, you can relax.
Hudson was a maestro of the organ, piano, accordion, and saxophone, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognized his passing in a lengthy post on X following the Band’s 1994 induction.
According to the Hall’s announcement, Garth Hudson played a significant role in creating the sound of The Band, one of the most significant rock bands ever. The Band, which synthesized country, R&B, early rock & roll, and folk music while thematically integrating the past with the present, became the epitome of what is now known as Americana music thanks to the distinctive sounds and textures that the musically educated Hudson contributed. The influence of the Band on subsequent music is incalculable.
After the trio disbanded, Hudson became a highly sought-after session musician, recording with a variety of musicians such as Tom Petty, Van Morrison, and Hall of Famers Elton John.