Garth Hudson, the legendary keyboardist and the last surviving member of The Band, has passed away at the age of 87.
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Hudson died “peacefully in his sleep” on Tuesday morning at a nursing home in Woodstock, New York, according to the executor of his estate, who confirmed the news to the Toronto Star. A cause of death was not given.
Hudson was a founding member of The Band, joining forces with Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Richard Manuel. He contributed to the group’s distinctive sound as an organist, keyboardist, accordionist, and saxophonist.
The Band’s X account paid tribute to Hudson.
“Today, we sadly say goodbye to Garth ‘Honey Boy’ Hudson, the last living original member of The Band,” the post read alongside images of Hudson playing several instruments.
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
“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,'” the post continued. “Through his music, he did just that—helping us all feel more deeply and connect to something greater. Rest easy, Garth.”
Garth Hudson’s Music Career Alongside The Band and Beyond
The Band, originally formed in Toronto in 1957, rose to prominence in the 1960s through their collaborations with Bob Dylan. Although they broke up in 1977, the group reunited in 1983 without Robertson and continued performing until 1999, when they disbanded following Rick Danko’s passing.
Garth Hudson, the virtuoso organist whose unique touch defined the roots-rock sound of The Band, has passed away at 87. A quiet genius, he was the last living member of the legendary group and hard to believe they're all gone. pic.twitter.com/tU2ckSCudY
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) January 21, 2025
The Band produced a deep catalog of music, including ten studio albums, nine live recordings, and nine compilations. Their influential contributions to music earned them induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
Their most memorable songs include “The Weight,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” and “Up on Cripple Creek.”
God Speed Garth Hudson. The last surviving member of The Band.
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) January 21, 2025
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
Hudson outlived all his former bandmates. Manuel passed away in 1986 at just 42 years old. Danko followed in 1999 at the age of 55. Helm died in 2012 at 71, and Robertson passed in 2023 at 80.
Hudson’s solo career includes the release of two studio albums, one in 1980 and another in 2001, along with a live album in 2005.
In 2008, he also received the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award alongside his The Band members.