Let Me Tell You About Garth Hudson of The Band 

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A friend of mine walked past Garth in the Rensselaer Train Station in upstate New York, and quietly acknowledged him by saying, “Hey, I know you.” A few days later, while shopping, my friend got a tap on the shoulder. He turned and it was Garth, who said, “Hey, I know you.” Thank you for a loving tribute.

This is the most insightful and sensitive representation about Garth that I have yet encountered. We dated for about 5 years in late '60's, early '70's, before Garth was "spirited" off to CA. Until then, we had the best of times together. Often when he was playing piano at home, I would be drawing "to the music", interesting results. You will not "hear" more from him personally, but I shall give him your kind recognition when I see him again. We were, and always will be, very connected and very private. Profound gratitude for this gracious recognition to a true genius.

Well done! We should do a GoFundMe for Garth if he is really broke! I owe him for all the joy he has brought over the years.

I had the honor and pleasure of playing many gigs and recordings sessions with Garth after I moved to up to Woodstock after 9/11. I do believe you have captured him perfectly. I'll add that he is the slowest talking person that I have ever met that you could not interrupt! One time he invited me over to his house where we spent most of the evening sight-reading Bach chorales together. At one point he paused and joked, "This is the one Paul Simon stole for American Tune". Another time at a session, while standing BEHIND his synth plugging in cables, he reached over the synth and started playing it (from the wrong side, and backwards). It still sounded like music, and it still sounded like him. I commented that I had never seen anybody do that before. His wife Maude was sitting on the couch, and said, "I've known Garth for 25 years, I've never seen it before either.". And that's a key thing about Garth, he always seemed to be re-inventing music itself, in real-time, and right in front of you. Thanks so much for doing this, this will be a great addition to his already rich legacy.

Someone with a brain reviewing The Band 👏

Garth's soprano sax coda to 'It Makes No Difference' never fails to bring me to tears if I am on my own.

I had the privilege to meet Garth many years ago and spend a little time with him.This is a beautiful tribute full of insight, truth and love. Thanks for shining the light on this gentle unassuming genius.

A mighty fine tribute to someone who let his music do all the talking. Deserving of any and all accolades. Great job Sir.

It's really, really nice to live in a world where I can hear a young guy talk about The Band and their impact on him! Most people under 40 wouldn't even know who they were much less be impacted by their music. This video really made my day

Beautifully done. I’m an organ player who was heavily influenced by Garth’s playing. I had the pleasure of having him play my Lowrey Festival Organ on Daniel Lanois’ Here Is, What Is album and full length documentary of the same name. Daniel rented my Lowrey for a few weeks. Meeting Garth was a dream come true and one of the conditions I had on the rental. The Lowrey Festival is the tube organ Garth played in The Hawks and on the first two Band albums. I thoroughly enjoyed this video.

Saw them at Exhibition Stadium in the 1970's. After one song ended, they all stood up and rotated one seat clockwise, sat down at the next instrument, and played the following song note-perfect. What great talents!

The older I get the more I appreciate the Band.

Chest Fever opening keyboard assault is still unmatched.

Powerfully soulful tribute to the Great Garth. The important things in life are increasingly overlooked and you've rectified an example here. Thank you.

Thank you for posting this. Many things I didn't know about Garth. I am from his home town in Canada here. All of The Band except for Levon are from Southern Ontario in Canada. As you pointed out it is amazing how many bands were influenced by Music From Big Pink. It was not of it's time and was timeless. Even Fairport Convention after hearing that album were inspired to go back to their own British musical roots instead of copying the West Coast American bands. The Beatles started dressing and looking like The Band which is funny to look back on now. We have the memories and the albums to listen to but it is sad that those musicians will never play together again. Something magical happens when the right people are put together. Too bad business egos money fame drugs etc. usually end all that at some point. Garth embraced his musical influences and with his colleagues gave us true art and a brand new genre of music. Not bad for a Southern Ontario boy.

All Garth has to know is he is dearly loved and cherished ......yes he’s in a nursing home but we all wish he can live out his days in Peace......

What a sweet tribute to one of the greatest band of an era. The Last Waltz is the Quintessential Music Film of all times.

Beautifully done! Our greatest and most tragic Band. Miss them every day. Especially Richard and Levon voices! Bless you Garth!

John Simon the brilliant producer/ musician said of Garth that he could play a melody with his right hand ,play another with his left hand and put something in his mouth and could play another melody too...all at the very same time ! Garth Hudson' s answer was that it was 'easy to do ! ' I believe Garth introduced another 17 chord changes into The Band's repertoire when he was the ' music teacher ' too? Jeezo ,how many Band's of any musical era could boast of 3 world class singers , one of the finest songwriters of any generation and certainly the greatest keyboardist of the 70's Rock era ? Honey boy - Mr Garth Hudson . Just think the greatness he would have achieved further if he was a ' talker ' ?

I produced the record 'Live at the Wolf' with Garth and Maud Hudson. They weren't satisfied with the live performance and came to Toronto a number of times later in that year to record other songs and the same songs over again. His playing Live was incredibly good, genius even, so I had a difficult time understanding why he wanted to do more. In the end it turned out that Maud had not liked some of her performances. All of Garth's performances are what he did at the concert. I have many stories about sessions that I did with Garth over that year. Like the time we had to drape the Grand piano in a homemade tent so that it would sound more like his piano at home. at home he used the 'practice pedal' on his upright which put felt on the strings to dampen them. This made the piano quieter and considerably more mellow. I didn't want to do that for the recording, so to make him feel more comfortable we built a 'piano fort' using mic stands etc. and Garth played that session in the fort. Thank you for this presentation. It come closest to the Garth I knew. Shy, but deeply intelligent and always searching and always thinking about music. I did a short tour with him. Surprisingly, I was playing Hammond organ and Garth played piano as he preferred the piano at that time (plus guitarist and drummer). .At the end of every concert while waiting in the wings as the crowd was yelling "Encore, Bravo" (because his genius always overwhelmed the audience, and they forgave their lateness and generally odd stagemanship.) Garth would say "What do you want to play?" It was understood that it would be different every night. This particular night I said "Why don't we play 'Cripple Creek', I know the words to that." He said; in his slow and deliberate low baritone voice "Noooo, Levon doesn't like it when someone else sings that tune." Heheh. The audience was still clamoring for more and we stood backstage as if time had stopped and went through a list of songs that he wanted to do. He had no sense of urgency. He was one of the most unique individuals that I have ever met in 54 years as a producer, composer and artist. My favourite line of his was when he was recording and taking some time to go over and over a part. If you said anything, i.e." I think you've got it Garth", or "How was that?" he would respond with a slightly peevish tone: "What, is there a catholic girls school choir out in the hall waiting to get in?" He said this often enough that I finally asked him over dinner one night. "Garth, was there ever a catholic girls school choir waiting outside a studio when you were trying to finish up a track and you felt rushed?" He said wryly "Nooooo....) (as if he didn't know what I was talking about) then added with a sparkle-eyed twinkle "But there could have been." heheh They broke the mold when they made him. Thank you for this profile. And thank the cosmos for Garth Hudson.

I saw Garth in concert about 5 years ago here in Auckland New Zealand. He was playing with a Band Tribute group of great local musicians. To see this heavily arthritic old man approach the piano and then playing absolutely brilliantly was a sight to behold. The local musicians doing Band covers with him were so in awe of playing with the legend and it showed. Awesome experience.

Very well done. Garth’s accordion contribution on Atlantic City will forever give me chills. Make Music Great Again

The color Hudson splashed in the Band's music was always the perfect addition. His sax solos on any performance of 'It Makes No Difference' I always felt are ethereal. I was fortunate enough to see them, sans Robertson back in the early 80's on one of their reunion tours and hearing them live was a memory cherished. This is a wonderful homage to the musician. thanks for posting.

Garth is a real treat, wonderful tribute to him.

They completely changed the trajectory for Eric Clapton and The Grateful Dead as well.

well done----------------The Band and Mr. Hudson changed my musical direction. No Band has ever moved me or sent me searching for the root of Music the way they did! thanks Kody and thanks you Mr. Hudson.

Allow me to add to the chorus of thanks and appreciation for this lovely homage to Garth Hudson. You came perilously close to falling for the trope of Robbie Robertson bashing which is far too prevalent in recounting The Band's story. Without the platform of Robbie's songwriting (and Bob Dylan's) we don't get to hear Garth in his glory. Certainly, The Band should have continued as a recording and performing outfit akin to Duke Ellington's bands, but money, drugs and egos prevented that and while that rancor stains their history, let's also remember their camaraderie and joyous music even more as it has outlived them and will outlive all of us as well and remain a touchstone for future listeners who have ears to hear The Band's greatness.

Thanks so much for wonderful tribute .... Around 1974 I hitchhiked up to the valley of the moon in Sonoma county . I ended up house sitting for my friend there for a few weeks. One of the few records she had was 'The Band' ( the brown album ) ....... I had never fell so deeply in love with an album before ...... Garth really was the cherry on top as you said . A carnival calliope , a mournful horn , a kind of musical brilliance that took the songs so much further than the country chords ..... A profoundness . A beauty that made you cry and brought you back again . But then everyone in 'The Band' added so much , and with distinction . It was the best of Everyone .

Many years ago now, must have been in the depths of those financials prbs, he accompanied a Woodstock based folk singer -sorry can't recall the name - to a coffee house performance up in Albany where I was a volunteer. Maybe an excuse for a better bank-rolled musician to help him out. During intermission he came back to the 'green room'. Obviously very wasted. But there was an old upright piano in the room. He sat down and stared at the keys for a long moment with head bowed- wearing that wide brimmed hat I remember. He set his fingers on the keyboard for a moment and then - as if the heavens opened- began to play. channeling some haunting combo of jelly roll Morton and TMonk, with moments of modulating hymnal grace. His torso occasionally waving - ray Charles like. No one there except a few other volunteers wandering in and out to get free coffee. I am forever grateful, Mr. Hudson

The glue that held The Band together....What a wonderful person he seems to be !

You’ve got him down. High time someone produced a tribute to that Brahms-like genius and explicated so elegantly and fondly what he contributed to that miraculous band. Thank you.

This is a worthy tribute to a band and a man. I lived most of my life with this music in my soul. And Garth is the core. Easy to forget unless you heard a track without him.

I appreciate you making this video. You did a great job covering a greatly overlooked person in music. Garth is one of a kind.

I remember where I was when JFK was shot and where I was when Cassius Clay beat Liston. But I also vividly remember the first time I heard Big Pink, in 1968. Chest Fever, We can talk about it now, Tears of Rage. As a fan of all kinds of rock, it blew me away. And still does. But you're right, Garth was pivotal to everything that they did. A genius.

Koda Cava. I am so exquisitely moved that I found you and this video. My Dad introduced me to The Band when the first album was released. He played it over and over and I kinda grew up in their heartbreaking songs of America and struggle and humanness. I appreciate the genius of their unity and the genius of each individual. And, as an addict in recovery, I ache in knowing how deep their addictions took them. It certainly took the lives way too early of Richard and Rick and Levon, each in different ways. Yet, Garth, an autistic savant, lived in the music. Thank you for celebrating him. Thank you for your poetic dedication.

I have tried many times to explain what I heard in Garth Hudson's playing. Never could. His choice of chords, the way he would take his improvised melodies. That rich and complicated stew that flowed from his deep imagination. I so loved The Band, and it took me many years to realize that that love was based on the playing of Garth Hudson. Thank you for this astounding tribute.

I agree with most comments, nice brief introspective of a diamond omong other precious stones, each with their own glint, color, and hardness...man, did they shine! You may just have put into words what's been ineffable about The Band's music for me, thank you.

A great ode to a great and vastly under-rated musician. Of course we all have favourites, but just adding the stunning work he did as the total backbone of what I consider to be The Band's greatest work, Chest Fever. From his introductory chords to his amazing solo, fantastic!

The Band is part of my daily playlist. Pass it on to the next generation.

I had the great pleasure of sitting next to Garth on a flight from DFW to LA, it must have been in 1986 or 1987. He arrived late on the plane carrying 2 of his horns. I didn’t recognize him at first but when we started to talk about music, I knew who he was. CDs were relatively new and we talked about them and also about using music as a therapy. He even gave me his phone number and said I should visit sometime. I don’t know why I never did. I guess I was just moving to LA and was very occupied with that. He struck me as being a lovely, gracious guy.

I saw the Band at Watkins Glen and during their set, it started raining. Everyone left the stage except Garth who continued to play during the rain until the Band could come back to the stage.

Well done. Those moments you mentioned like Tears of Rage were so inspired. At 72 and born in Canada The Band was something I never missed listening to. The Grateful Dead might say they had a long strange journey but The Band’s was too and a little sad. You can’t go back and listen to Big Pink and not be amazed by what was achieved there and a large part of that was due to Garth although they were all immensely talented

I'm not quite so full of words. The Band will play at my funeral gathering... recordings on this side of the river and live on the other side.

Great video! Thanks so much for enlightening folks about Hudson and his huge contribution to The Band's incredibly unique sound. They've been my favorite group since about qa minute into "Tears of Rage". I saw them live six times, and loved every moment of every show.

i love that we still have Garth

Thanks for creating such a moving portrait of one of the most amazing musicians these ears have heard over decades of listening. I worked in musicprofessionally for many years and I've heard a lot of stories about the music industry. Often, they don't come with happy endings but one I heard about Garth Hudson does- it seems when he was having the financial problems you mentioned, he was one the verge of losing the house he and his wife had been living in for years. A member of the Bare Naked Ladies happened to hear of the situation. He contacted the people taking care of the Ladies business (the Ladies were doing quite well financially) and said "pay off whatever he owes on the house and give Garth the deed". This was done, and he and his wife were able to stay in their home. Thanks again for making this...

As a longstanding fan of The Band, I enjoyed your loving tribute, to Garth Hudson. I first had a chance to see The Band, (after Levon had headed back to Arkansas), backing Bob Dylan in 1966 in White Plains NY and then at Carnegie Hall, (with Levon), in 1968 once again, with Dylan, for the Tribute to Woody Guthrie. I must have called Sam Goody's record store every day for a month after that, until Big Pink was released and ran down and scooped one up, the day it appeared. I have always considered them the greatest rock and roll band that there ever was, and was privileged to have gotten to know Levon and to meet Garth. A friend, Randy Ciarlante, was playing drums alongside Levon when the group reformed, without Robbie, in 1983 and he made the introductions....My favorite personal, memory of Garth is making a cassette for him of Louie Jordan songs, having heard that he loved Jordan, which was not surprising. I had and have a large collection of Jordan's albums and Garth was hoping to find a copy of an obscure song, called "Pettin' and Pokin', which I had. No question that he provided the secret sauce that was essential their unique blend of blues, gospel, R&B, and country, that will never be topped.

I would never forget that clip from THE LAST WALTZ when he talked about jazz musicians doing their "healing" work Never thought that he would be the last man standing. Bless you Garth and stay safe❤.

Beautiful. I don't know why more rock documentaries can't be as dignified as this. Garth Hudson should be added to the faces on Mount Rushmore.

I had the great pleasure of making music with Garth and taking him to the 18:57 Grammy Awards a couple years ago. Thank you for this, Garth is a treasure untold.

I appreciate the deserved appreciation of Garth, who is, indeed, a genius and a gift to those of us who came of age listening to him and the Band, and to generations beyond. I was surprised, though, and frankly, a little offended, by the rather sneering attitude toward Robbie- he wasn't a lead singer, but he was the primary songwriter (despite Levon's lack of understanding of the difference between composing and arranging), and he was an articulate spokesperson, unlike Garth, for all of Garth's positive attributes. I'm surprised by your put down of Robbie for being diplomatic in his speaking of the other members with respect, and his willingness to give credit to the group as a whole for what they produced. For while Garth's contributions are great, indeed, the thing that makes the Band truly great is that they were, in fact, a band, and it was the chemistry between them and what each of them contributed which made them who they were.

A really lovely tribute, and overdue. Nice work. As for MUSIC FROM BIG PINK (a Top 3 album for me for about 40 years now) being the "birth of Americana"... there was a lot of that sort of thing in the ether at the time, perhaps especially on the West Coast. Consider, for example, Van Dyke Parks' 1967 debut SONG CYCLE (an album not nearly as beloved by me, for the record, but certainly worth knowing), which comes from a lot of the same places as BIG PINK, even if it ends up somewhere quite different. I'd also like to mention that Garth's 2001 solo album THE SEA TO THE NORTH is an under-the-radar gem.

Finally! Somebody who truly articulates the force of nature who is Garth Hudson! Well done!

Had the privilege to play piano in a quartet with Garth back in the ‘aughts up in New Paltz NY. He played accordion. He didn’t care that I was a nobody - he nodded and gave me a solo as if I were a longtime bandmate. Deadly serious about the music - but zero attitude to go along with the genius.

Brilliant! I loved every bit of it and will be watching it again.

Dear sir, your masterpiece on this quirky, yet far beyond brilliant obscure genius had me in tears over how a natural treasure can be overlooked in such a time where real musicians as Garth are easily forgotten.I know that no matter what happens, the Almighty will make sure that there's a person like Garth around in this world.G.B.Y.

Glad Garth is the last one. His secrets will go with him.

The true fans appreciate you calling a spade a spade when explaining Robbie. Thanks for making this, Garth is an absolute treasure.

Oh g0d, storage unit got him as well? I was going though a really bad divorce right before the pandemic. I left my house of 20yrs. Moved all my stuff into what seemed like a affordable storage unit. Well, pandemic struck, lost my job. Money quickly became scarce.. Got behind on payment for storage unit.. Late fees accumulated exponentially. No choice but to let it all go. Priceless memories auctioned off. BTW, gen x here. Of course Ive heard of GH.. My uncle introduced me to The Band back in the mid 90s. He went to Woodstock and Watkins Glen. We went to many of their shows together.. Wolftrap VA, Wash DC, Carnegie Hall, Long Island ,

Funny dig at Buffet.....ironically, my only time getting to see Garth and The Band was in 1995 when they opened for.....Jimmy Buffet!!!

If the Beatles were England, the Band was North America.

A truly wonderful, sad and energetic video. So very necessary for "the arts" in general and a most special group of artists. The 1960's were, like the 1920's a unique time in modern humanity. Thank you. There are a few other greats from the 60's, Leonard Cohen for one.

Made me Cry Brother. I feel the same way. I hope Garth has seen this and knows what his presence on this planet has meant. We are pretty much down to Garth and Dylan. I kind of felt the way you described after Tom Petty Died. Nothing is the same. The music is dead. What if Garth’s passing when it comes could some how bring the music back to life? That would be a world worth its weight in Gold. Or Crypto;-) Thank you. I will save this link

The best band Canada ever produced, we know Levon is from Arkansas, and we love him every bit as much! I heard Garth use to play at a funeral parlor when he was young, can't remembered if it was a family owned funeral parlor or not! ❤ 🇨🇦

Outstanding! Thank you for recognizing the immensely talented Garth Hudson the unsung hero of the greatest band of our generation. And that he is the lady man standing only punctuates his brilliance. God bless you, Garth.

Scattered and meandering .... and yet, I recently saw a post from their former sound man that claimed Garth to be the most responsible member of the group by far, always on time to rehearsals and sound checks... etc Steady-Eddy of the gang when it came to all the important things in music!

Thank you for the video. You overdid it man, you truly did 🥲

Thanks for showing The Band, and Garth, some love. I'm also a young guy whos been in love with their work for years and it kills me that more people aren't aware of their legacy (even though most people know at least one of their songs!). RIP To the rest of the boys, I'll be playing their music to my kids and grandkids some day.

thank you for the lovely and nostalgic video essay on one of the world's great musicians & rock forbearers .. .

Wonderful and astute tribute to Garth Hudson, well done! Your observations are spot on about this under the radar musical genius.

Brilliant man and exceptional tribute! Thank You both!

Great tribute to a musical genius. I'm proud to be from the same part of the country as Garth and other members of The Band. So much talent ! Incredible.

GARTH has been one of my favorite musicians since I was about 12, in '73.

Absolutely brilliant musician!

I was at the Dylan Albert Hall concert back in .. about 1964 i think. He did stuff from Blonde on Blonde (i later found) on acoustic first half. All the folkie idiots walked out grumbling at the intermission. Second half .. on came the band. Hudsons magnificent keyboard thundered orgasmicly around the Albert Hall …and blew me right away. One of the most memorable musical memories of my life .. and i have seen more than a few in my 75 years. Truly one of the greats.

You loved the man because his music moved you. So it is for those of us who play. . We can hear their hearts from the sounds they made and we can feel their spirits. Even after they're gone. Sound is energy and energy cannot be destroyed. Everything is energy and it is all expressed in waves. Waves is music, baby. Its all music for those of us who get it. What a beautiful tribute from someone who just listened and HEARD. Thanks for the Garth love. You exalted him and its beautiful. Know anything about blues mandolinist Yank Rachell? He was my adopted daddy and fishin partner.

I would love to be able to communicate with you about the band and my love for them. I would wager my knowledge about them is at least like yours if not more so. very nice video.

Jesus, he did look like a Civil War vet, you nailed it. Loved this entire piece. Grew up about 40 miles from their homes in Simcoe and Six Nations area and their music is like a religion in the family. That King Harvest practice session video on RU-vid is on standby whenever I need a jolt. Love Garth and his eccentric mannerisms, may he live long. Last I heard when Robbie died Eric Alper mentioned he was no longer at home, possibly in assisted living.

Knowing Garth well for Decades this is very fair respectful accurate and well done!

A beautiful tribute to unique being. Many thanks

Had the pleasure of seeing him live in Hamilton, NY near the campus of Colgate University probably 12 years ago. Couldn’t have had more than 100 people in attendance. A very intimate setting.

The Band latched onto me with their second "Cripple Creek" ---(The Band) album. I was 16. Been a lifelong accompaniment to me ever since. Being a Dylan follower from the age of 12, "The Band That Backed Bob Dylan" has a place in my heart.

Beautiful tribute. Thank you. ❤

A fantastic video. I've followed them since almost the beginning.

Amazing video! Thanks for making it!

Very nicely done. He was always my favorite Band member.

Thanks for your beautifully composed tribute to Garth. I'm so glad I got to hear him live, (first in Jacksonville on the Stagefright tour.) He is a gift to us like no other.

I'm surprised that he didn't mention "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down". Probably the best, most recognized and the most covered song The Band ever produced.

A beautiful retrospective! Garth Hudson and his bandmates mean so much ...

Ever since I was a kid. The many times I saw the Band live, or on video or even in stills. My attention ALWAYS went straight to Garth Hudson and stayed there. Who is this guy. He doesn't sing. He doesn't talk. What does he do? He is just hidden away back there in the dark. He was pure mystery. He added a level of enigma that gave the band quirky personality. I love that you did this piece.

magnificent adjective colors in your text...private or public school? genuinely interested

Wonderful. I saw the Hawks (I am 79) when i was 18 in 1964 and although i have no musical ability, i felt right away that they were very special. I saw them in Hamilton, Port Dover, Toronto. Before they were famous. I also saw Garth and Maud in Hamilton in about 2010 and spoke to Garth to say thank you. I spent many hours listening to them, standing about 15 feet away. Amazing.

Thanks for this tribute the justice is in Garth’s heart so chill the dude is a representation of the genius of the eternal

Really beautiful video. Subbed.

An incredible portrait into the life of Garth Hudson!

I was enthralled until your Jimmy Buffet lament. I get it but at least Jimmy paid his dues, wrote some timely, heartfelt songs, and actually sang and played. I’m not a parrot-head by any means. I think Taylor Swift, Kanye, Bulldog, or any number of this generation’s “rock stars” would have been lower hanging fruit for your comparison. All that aside, you’re an eloquent, elegant story-teller and I thoroughly enjoyed your exceptional take on Mr. Hudson’s contributions. I remember clearly the 1st time I was introduced to Garth Hudson. My sister took me to see the Last Waltz when I was 10 and I was hooked when I saw their larger than life faces with names during the first few moments while hearing their magical, hypnotically mesmerizing music. It lit a fire that smoldered for many years until I was able to fully appreciate the beauty of their wonderful sound-scapes and to embrace their ability to magically affect my subconscious. I play in a traveling band and it’s heart-warming to see how many green-rooms have references to the Band.

I feel so fortunate to have seen The Band very early on...in fact they , as the Hawks , played in my town quite often...The Band is Dead.LONG LIVE THE BAND !

thank you, kody. how lovely to spend this time with garth. and the rest of the band, too. they will forever be my band.

There's a beautiful irony in that Garth was playing the most modern instruments in the band, invoking the most nostalgia for the past