Garth Hudson, the co-founder and last remaining member of The Band, has died at the age of 87.
The Canadian virtuoso multi-instrumentalist who was best known for his distinctive organ and saxophone work passed away today (January 21) at the Ten Broeck Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in upstate New York.
According to the executor of his estate (as per The Guardian), Hudson died peacefully in his sleep in the nursing home where he was living. No cause of death has been shared. In a statement shared to Rolling Stone by Jan Haust, the musician’s longtime friend and colleague, he confirmed the death and also shared that Hudson had “died peacefully”, adding that “yesterday was a day of music and hand-holding.”
Born in Windsor, Ontario, on August 3 1937 to two musicians – his mother was a pianist and his father played various wind instruments but worked as a farm inspector and entomologist – Hudson would go on to join The Hawks, the backing band for Ronnie Hawkins. In 1963, The Hawks would eventually split from Hawkins and go on to become The Band.
The Band – comprised of Hudson, Richard Manuel, Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm – were hired by Bob Dylan to be his backing band during his controversial 1966 “electric” tour of the United States, Australia and Europe. The Band would go on to move into a pink house located in West Saugerties, New York, near Woodstock where Dylan would frequently visit and where Dylan and the Band would eventually record his 16th LP ‘The Basement Tapes’.
The group went on to record seven albums between 1968 and 1977, with their 1969 self-titled LP and 1970’s ‘Stage Fright’ landing spots in the US Top 10. They reunited with Hudson in 1983 to release three more albums.
Honestly the Garth Hudson entrance here is probably the single greatest moment in any rock concert film. Especially because it’s reserved for Garth Hudson, supremely unassuming genius. pic.twitter.com/8muIY72kBk
— Steven Hyden (@Steven_Hyden) November 29, 2024
RIP Garth Hudson 💔Bringing this tweet around again in his honor because it’s so true. A wizard, a friend, a brilliant figure whose talent was only matched by his gentle disposition. https://t.co/S1NriqEYRB
— Allison Rapp (@allisonrapp22) January 21, 2025
In memory of the music man Garth Hudson… who was the last living member of THE Band.
This intro to Chest Fever from The Last Waltz is etched in my brain forever. pic.twitter.com/VWKOgF0Lfp
— Will Ragland (@citizenwillis) January 21, 2025
“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.” – Robbie Robertson
Today, we say goodbye to Garth “Honey Boy” Hudson. A true genius who helped shape The Band’s sound. Rest in peace, Garth. pic.twitter.com/JqgcyhqdXH
— Robbie Robertson (@r0bbier0berts0n) January 21, 2025
God Speed Garth Hudson. The last surviving member of The Band.
Garth was one of the first people to play the clavinet with a wah wah pedal. A familiar sound that 70’s funk bands utilized quite often.
Up On Cripple Creek pic.twitter.com/AwgGKnUwdV
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) January 21, 2025
In 1976, the band went on to perform their farewell concert which was documented in Martin Scorsese’s 1978 film The Last Waltz. The Band were joined by a handful of guests such as Hawkins, Dylan, Paul Butterfield, Bobby Charles, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, The Staple Singers, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood and Neil Young.
Hudson also took on session work, working with the likes of Harris, Morrison and Leonard Cohen. He also joined Roger Waters in Berlin in 1990 for a performance of Pink Floyd‘s ‘The Wall’ alongside his Band bandmates and special guests. Hudson released very little solo work aside from composing and exhibition soundtrack in 1980 and 2001’s ‘The Sea to the North’.
He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1994 alongside The Band and was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 Grammys.