Garth Hudson, The Band’s Last Surviving Founding Member, Dies at 87
Garth Hudson, the last surviving founding member of the legendary roots-rock group The Band, has passed away at the age of 87. His close friend, music archivist and producer Jan Haust, confirmed the news to NPR. He described Hudson as a “divine musical gentleman who died peacefully in his sleep, holding the hand of someone he loved.”
Hudson’s Early Life and Musical Journey
Born Eric Hudson in Windsor, Ontario, in 1937, Hudson grew up in a musical household. His parents were multi-instrumentalists who encouraged and supported his musical talents from an early age. Despite being approached multiple times by the musicians who would eventually form The Band, Hudson initially declined their offers. It was only after they agreed to his special condition of receiving an extra $10 a week to teach music lessons to the other members—a move he hoped would help appease his rock-skeptical parents—that he finally joined the group.
At the time, the group was serving as the backing band for rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins. However, they later parted ways with Hawkins and crossed paths with Bob Dylan during his transition from acoustic folk to electric rock. The quintet, composed of Hudson, Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Levon Helm, and Rick Danko, embarked on a tour with Dylan in 1965 and 1966.
The Basement Tapes and The Band’s Debut Album
In 1967, the group relocated to a house in upstate New York, which they named Big Pink. The basement of this house became the setting for over 100 songs recorded with Dylan, later released as The Basement Tapes. These recordings formed the foundation for the material that would eventually become The Band’s debut album, Music from Big Pink.
Hudson’s Multifaceted Musicianship
Hudson’s musical contributions extended beyond a single instrument. He played the keyboard, accordion, and saxophone. However, it was his innovative use of the Lowrey organ and the clavinet as lead instruments that gave The Band’s music its signature churchy, post-psychedelic sound, particularly evident in tracks like “Chest Fever” and “Up On Cripple Creek.”
Canadian writer Harry Hew described Hudson’s relationship with music as profound, saying to NPR, “The best line I ever heard with respect to Garth is, ‘Music is his first language.’ He’s always been in his own world, and I’m just grateful he found a way to communicate with our world.”
Hudson’s Career After The Band
Following The Band’s official disbandment in 1976, Hudson continued to play in various iterations of the group, including a live session with bassist and vocalist Rick Danko for NPR in 1989. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Band in 1994.
In his later career, Hudson worked as a session musician for artists such as Norah Jones and Neko Case. He made a notable public performance in 2023, his first in several years, at a house concert hosted by pianist and close collaborator Sarah Power. A video of the performance was shared by Harry Hew on X.
Hew remarked on Hudson’s enduring talent, saying, “As soon as his fingers touch the keys, everything is right with the world, and it’s magical. I mean, he never lost that spark.”
A Musical Legacy
Garth Hudson’s contributions to music, particularly through his work with The Band, have left an indelible mark on the music industry. His innovative use of instruments, his soulful melodies, and his dedication to his craft continue to inspire musicians and music lovers alike. His passing is a significant loss for the music world, but his legacy will undoubtedly live on through his timeless music.
We extend our deepest condolences to Hudson’s family, friends, and all those who were touched by his extraordinary talent.
