History of Garth Hudson in Timeline

Eric Garth Hudson, a Canadian multi-instrumentalist, was the keyboardist and occasional saxophonist for the renowned rock group, the Band. His contributions to the Band's distinctive sound led to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Keyboard magazine hailed him as the "most brilliant organist in the rock world." He was a core member shaping the Band's musical identity and remained the last surviving original member of the group.

August 2, 1937: Birth of Garth Hudson

Garth Hudson was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on August 2, 1937.

1940: Move to London, Ontario

Around 1940, Garth Hudson's family moved from Windsor to London, Ontario.

1949: First Professional Performances

Garth Hudson began playing professionally with dance bands in 1949, at the age of twelve.

1956: Joins the Silhouettes

Garth Hudson joined the London band the Silhouettes in 1956.

1958: Formation of Paul London and the Capers

The Silhouettes, including Garth Hudson, joined with Paul Hutchins and became Paul London and the Capers in 1958.

1960: Recordings in Toronto and Chicago

Paul London and the Capers recorded songs in Toronto and at Chess Studios in Chicago in 1960.

December 1961: Joins The Hawks

In December 1961, Garth Hudson agreed to join Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, with the conditions of receiving a Lowrey organ and providing music lessons to the other band members.

1963: The Hawks Split from Ronnie Hawkins

The Hawks split from Ronnie Hawkins in 1963 and began touring as Levon and the Hawks.

August 1965: Introduction to Bob Dylan

The Hawks were introduced to Bob Dylan in August 1965.

1965: Session Work and Collaboration with John Hammond Jr.

Garth Hudson started session work, playing on John Hammond Jr.'s album "So Many Roads" in 1965.

January 1966: Recording with Bob Dylan

The Hawks recorded material with Bob Dylan for the "Blonde on Blonde" album in January 1966.

July 1966: Bob Dylan's Motorcycle Accident and The Basement Tapes

Following Bob Dylan's motorcycle accident in July 1966, the group relocated near Woodstock, where they collaborated with Dylan on recordings that later became known as "The Basement Tapes".

1968: Debut Album: Music from Big Pink

The Band released their debut album, "Music from Big Pink", in 1968.

1969: New Lowrey Organ

Garth Hudson acquired a new Lowrey Lincolnwood TSO-25 organ in 1969 while playing with Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks and later, Bob Dylan and the Band.

1975: Release of Northern Lights - Southern Cross

The Band released the album "Northern Lights - Southern Cross" in 1975, the first album recorded in their Shangri-La studio.

1976: The Last Waltz

The Band performed their final concert as a touring band on Thanksgiving Day 1976 at the Winterland Ballroom, documented in the film "The Last Waltz".

1978: Big Oak Basin Dude Ranch Fire

Garth Hudson's property, Big Oak Basin Dude Ranch in Malibu, was destroyed by wildfires in 1978.

1978: Richard Manuel Lives with Garth Hudson

In 1978, Richard Manuel, a fellow Band member, resided at Garth Hudson's ranch.

1980: Music for Los Angeles Bicentennial

Garth Hudson composed music for "Our Lady Queen of the Angels", a multimedia show for the Los Angeles bicentennial in 1980.

1983: The Band Re-forms

In 1983, The Band reformed without Robbie Robertson.

1986: Dragon Slayers Score

In 1986, Garth Hudson composed the electronic score for the off-Broadway production "Dragon Slayers".

1986: Richard Manuel's Death

In 1986, Richard Manuel died by suicide.

1988: "Feed the Birds" Recording

Garth Hudson recorded "Feed the Birds" for the album "Stay Awake: Various Interpretations of Music from Vintage Disney Films" in 1988.

1989: Juno Hall of Fame Induction

Garth Hudson, as a member of the Band, was inducted into the Juno Hall of Fame in 1989.

1990: Performance at The Wall

In 1990, Hudson participated in Roger Waters's performance of The Wall at the Berlin Wall, playing accordion and soprano saxophone.

1990: Dragon Slayers Los Angeles Production

The off-Broadway play "Dragon Slayers", for which Garth Hudson composed the music, was restaged in Los Angeles in 1990.

1994: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Garth Hudson and The Band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

1994: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Garth Hudson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Band in 1994.

1998: Release of The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert

A recording of Dylan's 1966 performance with The Hawks, titled "The Royal Albert Hall" Concert, was released in 1998.

September 11, 2001: The Sea to the North Release

Garth Hudson released his first solo album, "The Sea to the North", on September 11, 2001.

July 13, 2002: Canada South Blues Society's Lifetime Achievement Award

On July 13, 2002, Garth Hudson received the Canada South Blues Society's Lifetime Achievement Award.

2002: Formation of Burrito Deluxe

Garth Hudson co-founded the group Burrito Deluxe in 2002.

2004: Sneaky Pete Kleinow Leaves Burrito Deluxe

In 2004, Sneaky Pete Kleinow left Burrito Deluxe due to health issues.

November 20, 2005: Hamilton Music Award

Garth Hudson received the Hamilton Music Award for Best Instrumentalist on November 20, 2005.

2005: Formation of The Best! and Live at the Wolf Release

Garth Hudson formed his 12-piece band, the Best!, and released the live album "Live at the Wolf" with his wife Maud in 2005.

2006: Performances with Various Artists

In 2006, Garth Hudson performed with artists such as Ronnie Hawkins, the Sadies, and Neko Case.

2006: Session Work and Collaborations

Throughout 2006, Garth Hudson worked as a session player with various artists, including Neko Case and Teddy Thompson.

2007: Featured in Here Is What Is

Garth Hudson was prominently featured in the 2007 Daniel Lanois documentary "Here Is What Is".

2010: A Canadian Celebration of the Band Release

Garth Hudson released the album "Garth Hudson Presents: A Canadian Celebration of the Band" in 2010, featuring various Canadian artists.

February 28, 2022: Maud Hudson's Death

Maud Hudson, Garth's wife, passed away on February 28, 2022.

April 16, 2023: Flower Hill House Concert

On April 16, 2023, Garth Hudson made a public appearance, performing at the Flower Hill House Concert No. 6 in Kingston, New York.

January 21, 2025: Death of Garth Hudson

Garth Hudson, the last surviving original member of The Band, passed away on January 21, 2025.

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