Garth Hudson, Last Surviving Member Of The Band, Dies At 87

by Coco

Garth Hudson, the final surviving member of The Band, has died at the age of 87. The Canadian musician, known for his collaborations with Bob Dylan, passed away early on January 21, 2025, at the Ten Broeck Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing in New York. His cause of death has not been revealed, but his longtime friend, Jan Haust, confirmed that he “died peacefully” and spent his final hours surrounded by music and loved ones.

The Band shared the news of his passing on Instagram, describing Hudson as a “musical genius” and a vital part of the group’s distinctive sound. “A musical genius and cornerstone of the group’s timeless sound,” the statement read, adding that Hudson once said, “I found some true enjoyment in helping people get to the bottom of their feelings.” The post concluded with a tribute: “Through his music, he did just that—helping us all feel more deeply and connect to something greater.”

Born Eric Hudson in 1937 in Windsor, Canada, Hudson was classically trained and grew up in a family of musicians. He began playing the organ, piano, and accordion as a child and wrote his first song at age 11. His musical journey led him to London, Ontario, where he joined a band called the Kapers.

Hudson caught the attention of Ronnie Hawkins and Levon Helm, who invited him to join their band, the Hawks. Initially aspiring to be a music teacher, Hudson agreed to join the group on the condition that he could teach them music theory. The band later evolved into The Band, and they gained fame after being hired by Bob Dylan as his backing musicians.

The Band’s relationship with Dylan flourished, especially after moving to a pink house in Saugerties, New York, in 1967. It was there that they wrote their iconic debut album, Music from Big Pink. They also collaborated on several tracks that would appear on Dylan’s 1975 album Basement Tapes, including the classic “I Shall Be Released.”

Between 1968 and 1977, The Band released seven studio albums, two of which, their self-titled 1969 LP and 1970’s Stage Fright, reached the U.S. Top 10. The Band disbanded in 1976, famously documenting their farewell concert in the film The Last Waltz.

Hudson rejoined The Band during their 1983 reunion and continued to record with them in the 1990s. Throughout his career, he worked as a session musician with artists like Emmylou Harris, Van Morrison, and Leonard Cohen. In 2001, Hudson released a solo album, The Sea to the North.

In recognition of his impact on music, Hudson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and he received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2008. Two years later, he released Garth Hudson Presents: A Canadian Celebration of the Band, a cover album featuring performances with collaborators including Neil Young.

Hudson’s death marks the end of an era for The Band, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

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