Robbie Robertson, the iconic lead guitarist and prolific songwriter of the renowned Canadian rock ensemble The Band, has sadly passed away at the age of 80. The news of his demise was confirmed by a family member, Dawn Robertson, in a statement to NPR.
A luminary in the world of rock and roll, Robbie Robertson’s contributions spanned both his instrumental prowess and his profound songwriting abilities. He is best known for crafting an array of enduring songs that shaped the foundation of Americana music. Notable among these are “The Weight,” “Up On Cripple Creek,” and the evocative “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” a track that offered a unique perspective from Confederate soldiers during a pivotal period in American history.
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Initially emerging as the backing ensemble for rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins, Robertson and his bandmates later found their spotlight as the backing group for Bob Dylan, who introduced them during his 1965 tour when they were still known as The Hawks. The group’s star quickly ascended with the release of seminal albums like “Music From Big Pink” in 1968 and their eponymous album “The Band” in 1969.
One of the most significant moments in the band’s history was immortalized on film by director Martin Scorsese. In 1976, Robertson and The Band performed a guest-star-studded concert billed as their final show, which would later be released as the iconic concert film “The Last Waltz” in 1978.
Despite numerous reunions by The Band’s members over the years, Robertson chose not to rejoin the group. Instead, he embarked on a multifaceted solo career that included creating music for notable Scorsese films such as “Raging Bull” and “The Color of Money.” He also released several solo albums, with his most recent work, “Sinematic,” debuting in 2019.
Robertson’s passing marks a somber moment for fans and the music world alike, as he becomes the fourth member of The Band to pass away. Richard Manuel, Rick Danko, and Levon Helm had previously left a void in the group’s lineup. Keyboardist and organist Garth Hudson is now the sole surviving member of the legendary ensemble.
Before achieving fame as Robbie Robertson, the future rock legend was born Jaime Royal Robertson. Raised on the Six Nations reserve in Ontario, he later discovered that his biological father was Alexander Klegerman, a Jewish figure in Toronto’s underworld with a reputation for gambling.
As recounted in the documentary “Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band,” Ronnie Hawkins shared insights into Robertson’s heritage, stating that “Robbie’s real dad was a Hebrew gangster.”
With his passing, Robbie Robertson leaves behind an indelible legacy, not just as a remarkable musician but as a defining voice of an era and a genre that shaped the very fabric of modern music.