Almanac Music: Vale – Garth Hudson of The Band
Vale: Garth Hudson – The Band
As the last surviving member of The Band, the death of Garth Hudson finally closes the book on one of the most influential group of musicians to ever exist in the field of modern music.
The Band made the world sit up and listen and take notice of the incredible music they produced. Each member was an excellent musician often playing more than one instrument, with three outstanding voices, and an incredible array of original songs written mainly by Robbie Robertson, they were a force to reckon with.
Their sound was unique; an individual, original sound often hard to define but certainly featured soulful, rootsy, bluesy, and countrified rock elements garnered from their roots whether it be their musical roots or the roots of their upbringing. It was a sound of their own.
On stage, behind the rest of the group and out of the limelight, Garth could be found surrounded by his multiple keyboards especially his beloved Lowrey organ, urging himself on, empowering his mind and hands to produce those magical sounds to their highest possible levels and beauty to fuse in with the sounds of his fellow band mates resonating the distinctive sound of so many of The Band classic songs. Garth Hudson was a musical genius, his ingenuity provided the musical expertise to meld the sounds of The Band together into the rich tapestry they became. He was a classically trained musician – a musician’s musician, and a much loved member of The Band.
As Robbie Robertson said, “He could’ve been playing with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra or with Miles Davis, but he was with us, and we were lucky to have him.”
The Last Waltz is well and truly over.
Rest in peace Garth Hudson.
The music lives on.
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There are plenty of clips on YouTube featuring Garth Hudson and The Band. I’ve selected the below clips for your enjoyment
Trevor Blainey in his Not Quite Bob series produced a fantastic episode featuring The Band which you can read Here.
A couple of very good tributes that featured in The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jan/21/garth-hudson-obituary
More from Col Ritchie can be read Here
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About Colin Ritchie
Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.
A musical chapter closes. The Band are and will always be my favourite combo. The merging of ancient and modern. The creativity. The diversity. The Beatles had 3 unique geniuses – The Band had 5. And remarkably diverse personalities that somehow melded for a short while – nuclear fusion in the studio.
My abiding image of Garth is seemingly playing 6 different keyboards simultaneously on “Chest Fever”. An egoless, bearded Franz Liszt in plaid.
RIP Garth.
Thanks PB. I wish I could have expressed it as well as you have. They were certainly one of a kind.
Well writ Col.
The Band clearly played an important role in Dylan’s development as well.
Firstly, as his touring band on his Feb-May 1966 world tour – where, following a Dylan solo acoustic first half, The Band came on to join Dylan for an ‘electric’ second half.
Second, in being his musical companions/friends during Dylan’s hiatus in Woodstock from July 1966 – 1967. This companionship resulted in the songs that made up The Basement Tapes (released in 1975);
Third, working with Dylan in late 1973 to record ‘Planet Waves’ and then to join forces for a full return to live performance with the 1974 US tour that resulted in the ‘Before The Flood’ live double album.
As an aside, I think Robbie Robertson’s post The Band solo albums are first rate and deserve greater recognition.
I don’t know how to attach clips , but search will give up Garth Hudson playing ” Back This Way” and “Killing Heart” with great Aussies Kerryn Tolhurst and the late Greg Quill on You Tube. Just putting ” Greg Quill Garth Hudson You Tube ” into Google will do the trick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qIXO0zSjJM
The Band leaves and indelible imprint on American music. Thanks for the eulogy.
Crio!!!
Bob Dylan posted this tribute to Garth on X today:
“Sorry to hear the news about Garth Hudson. He was a beautiful guy and the real driving force behind The Band. Just listen to the original recording of The Weight and you’ll see.”
Can’t get any higher authority than that.
P.S. – “A Complete Unknown” is wonderful. Chalamet extraordinary as young Bob. Hearing the music again in it’s original time and setting is powerful and moving.
Col, fabulous archival footage of the Garth’s incredible keyboarding skills. What a multi instrumental genius he was! RIP Garth Hudson. He made the Band’s song better but got none of the writing credits!
Well said, Col. Vale to a musician who didn’t follow so much as lead. In a band of luminaries, he shone brightly, but often quite subtly.