Garth Hudson, the last surviving founding member of “The Band,” died Jan. 21 at the age of 87.
The Band’s official account confirmed his death in an Instagram post.
“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 music, he did just that—helping us all feel more deeply and connect to something greater. Rest easy, Garth. (dove emoji)”
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 09: Musician Garth Hudson attends The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards ceremony held at the Wilshire Ebell Theater on February 9, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Hudson’s estate executor confirmed that he passed away peacefully in his sleep at a nursing home in Woodstock, New York, according to the Star.
The talented musician was best known for his powerful organ intro for the classic song, “Chest Fever.”
Hudson was the keyboardist and occasionally played the saxophone for the famous group that included Robbie Roberson on guitar, Rick Danko on bass, and Richard Manuel as singer and keyboardist.
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 18: Musician Garth Hudson attends the 2014 Canada’s Walk Of Fame Awards at the Sony Centre on October 18, 2014 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage) Getty Images
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 18: Musicians Robbie Robertson, Garth Hudson and CWOF Board Chair Dan McGrath attend the 2014 Canada’s Walk Of Fame Awards at the Sony Centre on October 18, 2014 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage) Getty Images
Together, they joined Bob Dylan in 1965 and went on to forge their own identity in the music industry with hit albums “Music From The Big Pink” and “The Band.”
Hudson saw great success over the course of his decades-long career. Among the many accolades he received, The Band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2014. The Band also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
The Canadian-born artist continued to follow his passion in his later years. His last public performance was in April 2023, according to ABC News. (RELATED: Famous Rock Guitarist John Sykes Dead At 65)
Fans from across the globe have taken to social media to pay tribute to his talents, and to honor the long legacy of music he has left behind.
