Garth Hudson, the last surviving member of the highly influential and experimental music group The Band, has died aged 87.
He ‘passed away peacefully in his sleep’ at his nursing home in Woodstock, New York, according to the Toronto Star.
Hudson was behind the iconic intro on the Lowrey organ for the hit song Chest Fever, released in the late 60s.
The Band formed in 1957 as the Hawks but rebranded in the late 60s, becoming known for its multi-instrumental style encompassing jazz, folk, rock and country.
Originally, the group consisted of Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, and Hudson.
They gained popularity performing as Bob Dylan’s band but gained critical acclaim with their debut album Music from Big Pink in 1968.
They are often credited as huge influences for legends like George Harrison, Elton John, and the Grateful Dead.
Hudson featured across all their albums, although never vocally, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
Their 12th and final album was released four years later, with a solo instrumental from Hudson on the track French Girls and a guest feature from Eric Clapton.
Martin Scorsese filmed their final performance as a five-piece for the documentary The Last Waltz in 1978, although various band members would continue to tour and perform after this.
In 2008, the band was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award with only Hudson and Roberston still alive to receive the honour.
It was incredibly rare that Hudson would speak in interviews, becoming known as a slight recluse after he retired.
‘It was a job,’ he said in 2003. ‘Play a stadium, play a theatre. My job was to provide arrangements with pads underneath, pads and fills behind good poets. Same poems every night.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Friends reveal ‘the real’ Paul Danan after his death aged 46
MORE: Legendary former Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes dies at 65
MORE: Doctor Who and Poldark star Christopher Benjamin dies aged 90
