Robbie Robertson, Singer of The Band, Has Left The Stage At 80

singer and founding member of the seminal rock group, The Band, has died at 80 after a long illness, it was reported today. (Aug. 9, 2023)

Hall of Famer Robertson was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, his Mother belonged to the Cayuga and Mohawk tribes. He began playing professionally with bands in 1956, later joining Ronnie Hawkins and his band, The Hawks in 1959. The Hawks included the other members of what would become The Band, they left Ronnie Hawkins and struck out on their own in 1964.

In 1965, they became infamous as Bob Dylan’s backup band, when the singer began using (gasp) an electric guitar and amplifiers, scandalizing fans and Pete Seeger and changing music for the better. 

Rest In Power

This clip is from the Los Angeles Times

Rather than delete this diary, I’m just going to publish it even tho it’s 3 years old, almost? I was never really satisfied with the diary that did post, I always felt it should have been a little more fleshed out. Ignore this if you think it’s too indulgent. 

Well, thanks for the recs but I hope others post stuff instead of let it disappear.