Multi-Instrumentalist and Founding Member of The Band, Garth Hudson, dies at 87

Garth Hudson at The Lone Star Cafe in New York City (26/11/1986).

Photo Credit: Unknown.

The Band is known worldwide as one of the 60s’ hottest bands - their roots rock filled discography is star studded. Iconic records and collaborations fill fans’ shelves, and their influence will never be forgotten. Unfortunately, Garth Hudson (keys, saxophone), The Band’s last surviving member, passed on the 21st of January at 87 years old.

Whatever Hudson touched turned to gold. His work with keys, most notably the organ, snuck into each track he played with an intriguing, unexpected power. Not only did his organ arrangements find their rightful place as rock staples, but he played the saxophone masterfully, became an accordion aficionado and followed through with his love for creating and performing up until his passing. The recording style of the ever-iconic The Basement Tapes, featuring folk legend Bob Dylan, is credited to Hudson; most of the tracks were on Dylan’s bootleg albums, but during sessions at Dylan’s home in Woodstock, New York, hidden gems were given a new life.

His ear for unique percussive techniques and production avenues was uncanny; The Basement Tapes alone is proof of this. His list of iconic collaborations does not end there, however: Emmylou Harris, Van Morrison and Leonard Cohen have all rubbed elbows with Hudson, making him an almost necessary addition to any session. Hudson, along with bandmates Levon Helm and Rick Danko, showcased his accordion and soprano saxophone at Roger Waters’ performance of The Wall at the Berlin Wall in 1990; this is just another integral moment in Hudson’s unforgettable longstanding career.

In short, Hudson alone is a key figure in rock history. It is said that Hudson nearly ditched The Band to be a music teacher - little did he know at the time, he would influence more artists than anyone could ever comprehend.