Garth Hudson, the renowned keyboardist, saxophonist, and multi-instrumentalist celebrated as the last surviving member of the Band, has passed away at the age of 87. Jim Della Croce, his former manager, confirmed the news to Entertainment Weekly, stating that Hudson “peacefully passed away in his sleep early this morning at a nursing home near Woodstock, New York.”
The Canadian musician, widely regarded as the creative force behind the Band’s signature sound, was also honored with a tribute on the group’s official X page.
Today, we sadly say goodbye to Garth "Honey Boy" Hudson, the last living original member of The Band. A musical genius and cornerstone of the group’s timeless sound, Garth once said, “I found some true enjoyment in helping people get to the bottom of their feelings.” Through his… pic.twitter.com/IdVidFbLOp
— The Band (@TheBandOfficial) January 21, 2025
“Today, we sadly say goodbye to Garth “Honey Boy” Hudson, the last living original member of the Band,” read the post. “A musical genius and cornerstone of the group’s timeless sound, Garth once said, ‘I found some true enjoyment in helping people get to the bottom of their feelings.’ Through his music, he did just that—helping us all feel more deeply and connect to something greater. Rest easy, Garth.”
Garth Hudson, born Eric Garth Hudson on August 2, 1937, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Hudson’s early exposure to music came from his parents, who were both accomplished musicians. He began playing piano at a young age and later mastered the organ, saxophone, and accordion. He started playing organ at church and for his uncle’s funeral home. His formal music education included studying at the University of Western Ontario, where he refined his technique and developed his distinctive style.
In the early 1960s, Hudson joined a group of Canadian musicians backing rockabilly artist Ronnie Hawkins. The group, known as the Hawks, eventually evolved into The Band, featuring Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Richard Manuel, and Rick Danko. Initially reluctant to join a rock band, Hudson agreed on the condition that the group pay for his music lessons, a move that cemented his reputation as a serious and dedicated artist.
Hudson’s contributions to The Band were immeasurable. His mastery of the Lowrey organ brought an orchestral richness to their sound, as heard in classics like “The Weight,” “Chest Fever,” and “Up on Cripple Creek.” Beyond keyboards, he played saxophone and accordion, adding layers of texture to their music. His deep understanding of music theory and arrangement made him the group’s “secret weapon.”
The Band gained fame as Bob Dylan’s backing group before releasing their groundbreaking debut album, Music from Big Pink (1968), followed by classics like The Band (1969) and Stage Fright (1970). Hudson’s innovative musicianship helped define their sound and influence countless artists.
After The Band’s final performance, captured in the 1976 concert film The Last Waltz, Hudson pursued a solo career, contributing to various projects and collaborating with artists like Leonard Cohen and Van Morrison.
Rest In Peace.
