Last surviving original member of The Band, Garth Hudson passed away

Last surviving original member of The Band, Garth Hudson passed away

Garth Hudson, the last surviving original member of the influential rock group The Band, passed away on January 21, 2025, at the age of 87 in Woodstock, New York. His death was confirmed by a close friend, Jan Haust, and he reportedly died peacefully in his sleep at a nursing facility

Canadian Garth Hudson, last surviving member of The Band, dies at 87 - National | Globalnews.ca

The Band, Garth Hudson passed away

Musical Legacy

Hudson was renowned for his virtuosity on the Lowrey organ and his ability to blend various musical styles, contributing significantly to The Band’s signature sound. He played a crucial role in creating iconic tracks such as “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” and “Rag Mama Rag,” where his keyboard work added depth and emotion to the music.

Garth Hudson, Last Surviving Member of the Band, Dies at 87

Unlike his bandmates who were vocalists, Hudson was primarily an instrumentalist, often providing rich textures that complemented the group’s harmonies

Born in Windsor, Ontario in 1937 to musician parents, Hudson was classically trained but gravitated towards rock music in his early twenties. He joined The Band—initially known as The Hawks—after negotiating terms that included an extra payment for music lessons for his bandmates, hoping to appease his skeptical parents

The group gained fame after backing Bob Dylan during his controversial transition to electric rock in the mid-1960s and later released seminal albums like Music from Big Pink and The Band.

Personal Struggles

In recent years, Hudson faced health issues and financial difficulties. He had sold his stake in The Band to Robbie Robertson and experienced multiple bankruptcies. His wife, Maud, passed away in 2022, adding to his challenges during this period

Despite these struggles, Hudson’s contributions to music remain celebrated, marking him as a vital figure in the evolution of Americana music.

Garth Hudson’s passing marks the end of an era for The Band, which was pivotal in shaping the sound of rock music during the 1960s and 70s. His unique artistry and dedication to music will be remembered by fans and musicians alike as a cornerstone of one of rock’s most beloved ensembles