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The Band

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The Band
Company typeRock group
IndustryMusic
Founded1968; 58 years ago (1968)
Headquarters
Toronto
,
Canada / United States
Area served
International
Key people
Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm
ProductsMusic albums, live performances

The Band was a rock group with Canadian-American roots, originating in Toronto, Ontario. The lineup featured Canadians Rick Danko (bass, guitar, vocals, fiddle), Garth Hudson (organ, keyboards, accordion, saxophone), Richard Manuel (piano, drums, vocals), Robbie Robertson (guitar, piano, percussion), alongside American Levon Helm (drums, vocals, mandolin, guitar, bass). Their sound was a fusion of Americana, folk, rock, rhythm and blues, jazz, and country influences. This unique blend impacted musicians such as George Harrison, Elton John, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, Wilco, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard.

Between 1958 and 1963, they performed as the Hawks while serving as the backing ensemble for rockabilly artist Ronnie Hawkins in Toronto. By the mid-1960s, they rose to wider recognition by supporting Bob Dylan during his 1966 electric tour. After parting ways with Dylan and adopting the name "The Band," their first album Music from Big Pink was released in 1968, followed by the critically and commercially successful The Band in 1969. Roger Waters regarded it as the "second-most influential record in rock history," and journalist Al Aronowitz described its style as "country soul ... a sound never heard before." Their most iconic tracks include "The Weight" (1968), "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" (1969), and "Up on Cripple Creek" (1969). Subsequent albums were Stage Fright (1970), Cahoots (1971), the live recording Rock of Ages (1972), the covers album Moondog Matinee (1973), and Northern Lights – Southern Cross (1975).

Their final concert on November 25, 1976, was captured on film by director Martin Scorsese, resulting in the 1978 release of the concert documentary The Last Waltz. After a break lasting five years, Danko, Hudson, Helm, and Manuel reunited in 1983 to tour without Robertson. Following Manuel's death in 1986, the remaining members continued performing and occasionally releasing studio albums until Danko's passing in 1999 brought an end to the group. The Band earned induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2004, they were ranked 50th on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists. They received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 and were honored with induction into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2014.

1957–1964: The Hawks

Before becoming known as The Band, its members initially performed together as the Hawks while backing rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins in Toronto. Levon Helm joined the lineup in 1957 and became their full-time drummer by 1958. The group also included Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson, with Stan Szelest among early collaborators. Hawkins dominated Toronto’s music scene by recruiting top talent from competing bands such as Robertson, Danko, and Manuel.

During the late 1950s, Hawkins frequently played at Pop Ivey's Summer Garden Pavilion located in Port Dover, Ontario. He discovered Danko performing there in 1961 and soon took over management of Richard Manuel’s band before integrating Manuel into the Hawks. Although initially hesitant due to his aspirations as a music teacher, Hudson agreed to join on condition he receive payment as an instructor along with a new Lowrey organ.

With Hawkins at the helm, the Hawks recorded several singles and earned a reputation as Toronto’s premier rock band. Hawkins maintained strict discipline through rules that included fines for bringing girlfriends to shows or using marijuana. By late 1963, creative disagreements and dissatisfaction with Hawkins’ leadership led the group to part ways with him to pursue original compositions.

Robertson later remarked that while Hawkins had honed their musicianship into a tight unit, he constrained their artistic growth. After briefly performing under names like Levon Helm Sextet and Levon and the Hawks, they released a single as the Canadian Squires in 1965 before reverting to Levon and the Hawks for an Atco Records session.

In 1965 they connected with blues musician Sonny Boy Williamson II with plans to back him on recordings; however his passing shortly thereafter ended those plans. Later that year Bob Dylan enlisted them as his backing band for his 1965 U.S. tour followed by his 1966 world tour. Afterward Dylan and manager Albert Grossman assisted them in relocating to Saugerties, New York where informal sessions produced what became known as The Basement Tapes, leading up to their official debut album Music from Big Pink released in 1968.

Referred to simply as "the band" by Dylan and locals around Woodstock prior to this point, they formally adopted The Band as their name starting in 1968. Dylan maintained collaborations with them throughout their career including a notable joint tour in 1974.

1965–1967: Collaboration with Bob Dylan

In the late summer of 1965, Bob Dylan was in search of a backing ensemble for his inaugural U.S. "electric" tour. Blues artist John P. Hammond, who had previously recorded with Helm, Hudson, and Robertson earlier that year, recommended Levon and the Hawks. Around the same period, Mary Martin, who served as secretary to Dylan's manager Albert Grossman, encouraged Dylan to experience the group performing at a Toronto venue. After witnessing their performance and connecting with Robertson, Dylan invited both Helm and Robertson to become part of his support band. Following two shows, they insisted that Dylan enlist the entire Hawks group to proceed; Dylan consented, offering them greater exposure. They considered themselves a cohesive rock and rhythm and blues outfit and were unacquainted with Dylan’s recent global acclaim.

From September 1965 through May 1966, performing under the name "Bob Dylan and The Band," they embarked on an extensive tour schedule. These tours were characterized by Dylan’s substantial use of amphetamines, with some members of the Hawks also partaking. Folk traditionalists frequently heckled the performances; Helm departed after a month, opting out of the remainder of the tour and taking up work on an oil rig.

The recording sessions with Dylan during this timeframe produced limited output: one single ("Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?") recorded between October and November 1965, and "One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)" from January 1966 sessions intended for Blonde on Blonde. On this latter track, Dylan was supported by drummer Bobby Gregg, bassist Rick Danko (or possibly Bill Lee), guitarist Robbie Robertson, pianist Paul Griffin, and organist Al Kooper. Frustrated by the slow pace in New York studios, producer Bob Johnston shifted recording to Nashville where Robertson’s guitar work became prominent on Blonde on Blonde, although other Hawks members did not participate.

During the 1966 European tour, Mickey Jones took over drumming duties from Sandy Konikoff. The May 17 concert at Manchester’s Free Trade Hall gained legendary status when an audience member yelled "Judas!" at Dylan during his electric set; Dylan replied defiantly before launching into "Like a Rolling Stone". This performance was widely bootlegged and eventually officially released in 1998 as The Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966, The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert, regarded as an important document in rock history.

On July 29, 1966, Dylan experienced a motorcycle accident that led to his semi-retirement in Woodstock, New York. Meanwhile, the Hawks resumed playing in bars and roadhouses, occasionally supporting other artists such as Tiny Tim. In February 1967, Dylan invited them to Woodstock; Danko, Hudson, and Manuel rented a nearby residence known as "Big Pink". There they began recording influential demo sessions both at Big Pink and at Dylan's home—material later partially issued as The Basement Tapes (1975) and fully released in 2014’s The Bootleg Series Vol. 11. Initially absent was Helm; he joined subsequent sessions and overdubs prior to release. Contemporary reviews by Jann Wenner collectively referred to the group as "the Crackers."

1968–1972: Early achievements as The Band

After completing their sessions with Dylan in October 1967 and with Helm back in the lineup, the Hawks began crafting original songs at Big Pink. Initially lacking an official name, they ultimately settled on "The Band," a moniker they initially resisted but later accepted for its straightforward yet confident character. By 1969, Rolling Stone had labeled them "the band from Big Pink."

Their first album, Music from Big Pink (released July 1968), was met with critical acclaim and included three tracks written by Dylan alongside "The Weight", which gained prominence through its inclusion in the 1969 film Easy Rider. The album’s diverse musical approach and cohesive themes left a mark on artists such as Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, who regarded it as the "second-most influential record in rock history," while music critic Al Aronowitz praised it as "country soul... a sound never heard before."

Following the release of Music from Big Pink, The Band embarked on tours beginning at the Winterland Ballroom, performed at the Woodstock Festival—although legal issues prevented their appearance in the festival’s film—and joined Dylan at the UK Isle of Wight Festival 1969. Later that year, they recorded their sophomore album, The Band (1969), in Los Angeles. This record diverged from prevailing musical trends by invoking themes of traditional rural America, addressing topics such as the American Civil War in "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and farm labor unionization in "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)".

Produced by John Simon, who also contributed to arrangements and occasional instrumentation, the album featured creatively arranged horn sections despite limited horn-playing experience among members except for Hudson. During this period, Rolling Stone provided extensive praise for The Band, with Greil Marcus enhancing their enigmatic reputation. They appeared on the cover of Time (January 12, 1970), becoming the first rock group since the Beatles to receive this distinction.

This blend of critical and commercial success helped define the country rock genre alongside contemporaries like the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, influencing groups such as the Eagles. Prominent musicians including Eric Clapton and George Harrison acknowledged The Band's influence on their late-1960s to early-1970s musical direction. Clapton enlisted all members for his 1976 album No Reason to Cry.

After releasing their second album, The Band undertook their initial headlining tour. Their third studio effort, Stage Fright (1970), engineered by Todd Rundgren and recorded live at the Woodstock Playhouse, explored darker lyrical themes amid growing anxiety over fame. Although initially well-received, it was generally viewed as a decline compared to their earlier work. During this era, they participated in the Festival Express Canadian tour alongside artists like Janis Joplin and Grateful Dead, an event later documented in a 2003 film highlighting collaborative performances.

Internal conflicts intensified as Robertson assumed greater leadership amid concerns regarding Danko, Helm, and Manuel’s heroin addictions. Helm accused Robertson of authoritarianism and avarice; Robertson defended his role as necessary to steer an increasingly unreliable band.

Despite these difficulties, The Band released Cahoots (1971), which included Dylan’s "When I Paint My Masterpiece", a collaboration with Van Morrison titled "4% Pantomime," and "Life Is a Carnival" featuring horn arrangements by Allen Toussaint. Toussaint’s contributions became a staple for future projects; The Band later recorded his songs "Holy Cow" on Moondog Matinee and "You See Me" on Jubilation. Toward the end of 1971, they recorded the live album Rock of Ages, released in mid-1972 with horns arranged by Toussaint. Dylan joined them for four songs during a New Year’s Eve performance, including "When I Paint My Masterpiece".

1973–1975: Transition to Shangri-La

In 1973, the Band issued Moondog Matinee, an album comprising cover songs that elicited varied critical reactions and was not accompanied by a supporting tour. On July 28 of that year, they appeared at the monumental Summer Jam at Watkins Glen, a concert drawing an audience exceeding 600,000 alongside the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers Band. It was during this event that conversations about collaborating on a tour with Bob Dylan began. By the end of 1973, Danko, Helm, Hudson, and Manuel joined Dylan’s ensemble for the recording of Planet Waves, which coincided with their joint 1974 North American tour consisting of 40 performances. This partnership was documented on the live album Before the Flood.

Producer Rob Fraboni played a key role in conceptualizing the group's recording space, Shangri-La, which was finalized by 1975. That same year marked the release of Northern Lights – Southern Cross, their first collection of original tracks since 1971, featuring eight compositions solely penned by Robertson. Although commercial results were modest, critical reception was largely positive. Levon Helm regarded it as "the best album we had done since The Band." Additionally, the album highlighted Hudson’s experimentation with synthesizers on the track "Jupiter Hollow."

1976–1978: The Final Performance – The Last Waltz

By the mid-1970s, Robbie Robertson’s enthusiasm for touring had diminished. Following the underwhelming commercial performance of Northern Lights – Southern Cross, the 1976 tour targeted smaller venues and less prominent markets, culminating in an opening act for ZZ Top at the Nashville Fairgrounds in September. After Richard Manuel suffered a serious neck injury that month, Robertson advocated for ending live performances with a "farewell concert" titled The Last Waltz. This event took place on November 25, 1976, at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom before an audience of 5,000, where attendees were served a turkey dinner. The concert featured a horn section arranged by Allen Toussaint and included an all-star roster of guest musicians such as Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Muddy Waters, Dr. John, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Ron Wood, Bobby Charles, Neil Diamond, and Paul Butterfield. The entire performance was captured on film by director Martin Scorsese.

In 1977, the Band released their seventh studio album Islands, fulfilling their contractual obligations with Capitol Records to allow Warner Bros. Records to issue The Last Waltz film and soundtrack. Islands combined original material with cover songs and represented the final album featuring the original lineup. That year also included sessions with Emmylou Harris and the Staple Singers for Scorsese’s concert documentary released in 1978 alongside a three-LP soundtrack.

Helm later characterized The Last Waltz as primarily Robertson's vision that precipitated the group's dissolution; Robertson acknowledged it as his artistic statement while recognizing alternative perspectives.

The quintet's last joint performance occurred on March 1, 1978, at The Roxy during an encore segment of Rick Danko’s solo show.

1983–1989: Reunion and Richard Manuel’s Passing

In 1983, The Band resumed live performances without Robbie Robertson.[1] Woodstock guitarist Jim Weider joined as lead guitarist while Robertson pursued a solo career and work in music production for film. Due to diminished mainstream appeal, The Band mainly played theaters and clubs as headliners and occasionally opened for acts like the Grateful Dead and Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Tragically, following a concert in Winter Park, Florida on March 4, 1986, Richard Manuel died by suicide at age 42.[2] He had battled addiction but maintained periods of sobriety after 1978.[3] His position was initially filled by Stan Szelest—who soon passed away—and subsequently by Richard Bell, noted for his work with Ronnie Hawkins and Janis Joplin's Full Tilt Boogie Band.

In recognition of their contributions to music, The Band was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during the 1989 Juno Awards. Robertson reunited with original members Danko and Hudson for this occasion. Supported by Canadian country rock ensemble Blue Rodeo, this moment symbolized a "passing of the torch" to a newer generation.

1990–1999: Final recordings and Rick Danko's passing

In 1990, Capitol Records re-released The Band's collection from the 1970s. The surviving members continued to tour and record, enlisting various musicians to fill the roles left by Manuel and Robertson. In October 1992, they performed at Bob Dylan's 30th anniversary concert in New York City. The following year, they issued Jericho, marking their first studio effort since Islands (1977) and their first new material since The Last Waltz (1976). With Robertson no longer serving as the main lyricist, much of the songwriting was contributed by external writers. Additionally, in 1993, The Band played at President Bill Clinton’s "Blue Jean Bash" inauguration celebration.

The Band appeared at Woodstock '94 in 1994. Later that year, Robertson reunited with Danko and Hudson to accept the group's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, although Helm was absent due to longstanding disagreements. In February 1996, they collaborated with the Crickets to record "Not Fade Away" for the tribute album Not Fade Away (Remembering Buddy Holly). They also released two further albums: High on the Hog in 1996 and Jubilation in 1998, which featured guest appearances by Eric Clapton and John Hiatt. Helm was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998 but eventually recovered his voice. The group announced plans for a follow-up to Jubilation, although this project was never completed or released.

Their last studio contribution was a cover of Bob Dylan’s "One Too Many Mornings" recorded in 1999 for the tribute compilation Tangled Up in Blues. Rick Danko passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 10, 1999, aged 55. Following his death, The Band officially disbanded. At that time, the lineup included Richard Bell on piano, Randy Ciarlante on drums, and Jim Weider on guitar.

Later developments

In 2002, Robbie Robertson secured ownership of all former members’ financial stakes except for Levon Helm’s, thereby obtaining significant control over the group’s catalog and future compilations.

Richard Bell succumbed to multiple myeloma in June 2007.

On February 9, 2008, The Band was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award; however, no reunion took place. To commemorate this milestone, Helm organized a Midnight Ramble event in Woodstock.

Levon Helm died on April 19, 2012, after a prolonged battle with throat cancer.

In December 2020, an expanded edition of The Band’s third album, Stage Fright, including alternate takes and versions of songs, was announced.

Robbie Robertson passed away at age 80 on August 9, 2023, following complications from prostate cancer.

Garth Hudson, the final surviving original member of The Band, died at age 87 on January 21, 2025.

Musical style

The Band's sound represented a fusion of historical and contemporary elements, blending multiple musical styles. Their foundation lay in traditional country music and early rock and roll, yet their rhythm section frequently echoed the grooves characteristic of Stax and Motown rhythm and blues. Robertson identified influential figures such as Curtis Mayfield and the Staple Singers, whose work contributed to the group's eclectic genre amalgamation. Vocalists Manuel, Danko, and Helm each brought unique tonal qualities: Helm’s gritty Southern-accented delivery, Danko’s tenor with distinctive phrasing, and Manuel’s expressive falsetto combined with a soulful baritone. Their harmonies became a hallmark, with Manuel often viewed as the primary vocalist.

All members possessed skills on multiple instruments. While live shows generally involved limited instrument changes, studio sessions allowed for more diverse arrangements to enhance each track. Hudson notably enriched the sonic palette through his use of the Lowrey organ. Helm’s drumming was widely acclaimed—critic Jon Carroll described him as "the only drummer who can make you cry," while session drummer Jim Keltner acknowledged incorporating several of Helm's methods into his own style. Producer John Simon is often regarded as an unofficial "sixth member," given his production expertise and instrumental input on pivotal albums such as Music from Big Pink, The Band, and the 1993 reunion record Jericho.

Copyright controversy

Robertson holds songwriting credits for most of The Band’s compositions, which resulted in him receiving the majority of publishing royalties. This arrangement led to tensions, especially with Helm. In his 1993 memoir, This Wheel's on Fire: Levon Helm and the Story of The Band, Helm disputed the songwriting attributions, arguing that these works were collective creations. Danko echoed Helm’s perspective:

I think Levon's book hits the nail on the head about where Robbie and Albert Grossman and some of those people went wrong and when The Band stopped being The Band... I'm truly friends with everybody but, hey—it could happen to Levon, too. When people take themselves too seriously and believe too much in their own bullshit, they usually get in trouble.

Robertson refuted claims that Helm had any input on songs attributed to him.

Legacy

The Band was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and later honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2004, Rolling Stone placed them 50th among its "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" and ranked "The Weight" 41st on its list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." They were recipients of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 and entered Canada's Walk of Fame in 2014.

According to Mark Deming from AllMusic, The Band pioneered the roots-rock movement of the 1970s, uniquely embodying Americana by blending country, blues, folk, and traditional American music with innovative authenticity. Critic Bruce Eder described them as "one of the most popular and influential rock groups," receiving critical acclaim alongside acts like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

Their influence extended to many artists including the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Led Zeppelin, Elvis Costello, Elton John, Phish, and Pink Floyd. The album Music from Big Pink notably inspired Clapton’s decision to leave Cream. George Harrison acknowledged The Band's impact on his composition "All Things Must Pass." "The Weight" has been interpreted by numerous artists across various genres. Robbie Robertson admitted their ambition to explore beyond roots music through psychedelic rock experiments.

During the 1990s, groups such as Counting Crows, the Wallflowers, and the Black Crowes cited The Band as a formative influence. Counting Crows’ tribute "If I Could Give All My Love (Richard Manuel Is Dead)" honors Richard Manuel. The Black Crowes frequently perform covers of The Band’s repertoire live and have recorded at Levon Helm’s Woodstock studio. After watching The Last Waltz, The Hold Steady formed with lyrical nods to Rick Danko and Robbie Robertson. Southern rock revivalists like Drive-By Truckers included "Danko/Manuel" on their album The Dirty South.

Grace Potter credited The Band as an inspiration for establishing Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in 2002. The tribute compilation Endless Highway: The Music of The Band (2007) featured contributions from My Morning Jacket, Death Cab for Cutie, Bruce Hornsby, Jack Johnson, the Allman Brothers Band, among others.

Between 2012 and 2013, musicians from Wilco, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, the Shins, Dr Dog, Yellowbirds, Ween, and Furthur collaborated on The Complete Last Waltz, performing all 41 songs from the original concert event. Yellowbirds’ Sam Cohen served as musical director.

Formed in 2012 by former members Jim Weider and Randy Ciarlante along with Garth Hudson and others, The Weight Band performed both classic covers and new compositions during their 2017 PBS Infinity Hall Live appearance. Annual commemorations of The Last Waltz take place in Dayton, Ohio (hosted by NPR affiliate WYSO), and Madison, Wisconsin, featuring large ensembles composed of local musicians.

The 2019 documentary Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band, which premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, chronicles their story extensively. Additionally, their legacy is explored in depth through the podcast series The Band: A History.

Original lineup

  • Rick Danko – vocals, bass guitar, guitar, fiddle, double bass (1965–1977, 1983–1999; deceased)
  • Garth Hudson – keyboards, organ, saxophone, accordion, woodwind instruments, brass (1965–1977, 1983–1999; passed away 2025)
  • Levon Helm – drums, vocals, mandolin, guitar, percussion, bass guitar (1967–1977, 1983–1999; deceased 2012)
  • Richard Manuel – piano, vocals, keyboards, drums (1965–1977, 1983–1986; deceased)
  • Robbie Robertson – guitars, vocals, percussion, piano (1965–1977; passed away 2023)

Additional members

Supporting musicians

  • John Simon – baritone horn, electric piano, piano, tenor saxophone, tuba (1968–1993)
  • Terry Cagle – drums, backing vocals (1983–1985, 1986–1989; deceased 2023)
  • Earl Cate – guitars (1983–1985)
  • Ernie Cate – keyboards (1983–1985)
  • Ron Eoff – bass guitar (1983–1985)
  • Buddy Cage – pedal steel guitar (1986–1989; deceased 2020)
  • Fred Carter, Jr. – guitars (1986–1989; deceased 2010)
  • Jack Casady – bass guitar (1986–1989)
  • Blondie Chaplin – guitars, drums, backing vocals (1986–1989)
  • Jorma Kaukonen – guitars (1986–1989)
  • Sredni Vollmer – harmonica (1986–1989, 1990–1991; deceased 2013)
  • Billy Preston – keyboards, backing vocals (1991; deceased 2006)
  • Aaron L. Hurwitz – accordion, organ, piano (1992–1999)

Discography

Collaborations with Bob Dylan


See also

Sources

  • Gray, Michael (2006). The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia. New York: Continuum. .
  • Helm, Levon; Davis, Stephen (2000). This Wheel's on Fire: Levon Helm and the Story of The Band. 2nd ed., Chicago: A Cappella. .
  • Hoskyns, Barney (1993). Across the Great Divide: The Band and America. New York: Hyperion. .
  • Marcus, Greil (1998). Invisible Republic: Bob Dylan's Basement Tapes. New York: H. Holt & Company. .

Further reading

  • Bochynski, Kevin J. (1999). "The Band". In Hochman, Steve. Popular Musicians. Pasadena, California: Salem Press. pp. 61–64. .

External links

  1. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  2. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  3. ↑ Hoskyns, 365, 376–377, 384. Helm and Davis, 289, 294.
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