Garth Hudson, the Band's musical genius, dies at 87

Garth Hudson , the Band 's legendary keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist whose innovative style elevated rock classics like ' Up on Cripple Creek ,' 'The Weight,' and ' Rag Mama Rag ,' has passed away at 87. The Canadian musician, the eldest and last surviving member of the iconic group that once backed Bob Dylan , had been living in a nursing home in upstate New York. His death was confirmed by The Canadian Press via his friend Jan Haust.

A classically trained pianist, Hudson brought a rich, conversational quality to the Band’s sound. His favoured Lowrey organ, along with his mastery of synthesizers, horns, and piano, created distinctive textures. He added a drunken, playful vibe with the clavinet and wah-wah pedal on 'Up on Cripple Creek,' galloping energy with piano on 'Rag Mama Rag,' and profound sadness with his saxophone on 'It Makes No Difference.' Hudson, the only non-singer in the Band, was celebrated for his iconic organ solo 'The Genetic Method,' an eclectic prelude to Robbie Robertson’s hard-rocking 'Chest Fever.'

The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and formed in the early 1960s as Ronnie Hawkins’ backing group. Originally known as The Hawks, it included Arkansas-born Levon Helm and four Canadians—Hudson, Robertson, Rick Danko, and Richard Manuel. They gained fame after partnering with Dylan during his transformative 1965-66 tours, where they helped pioneer a new era in rock music.

Hudson’s death follows those of his bandmates: Manuel in 1986, Danko in 1999, Helm in 2012, and Robertson in 2023. The Band’s enduring legacy lies in their camaraderie, versatility, and ability to blend Americana, folk, and rock into timeless music that continues to inspire generations.