‘Musical genius’: Garth Hudson, last living member of The Band, dies at 87

Garth Hudson, the eccentric and supremely talented last living member of The Band has died, the iconic group confirmed on social media.

He was 87.

“Today, we sadly say goodbye to Garth “Honey Boy” Hudson, the last living original member of The Band” the post reads.

“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.”

Hudson, who was born in Windsor, Ont., reportedly died in his sleep at a nursing home in Woodstock, New York.

Proficient on both keyboard and saxophone, Hudson helped shape The Band’s unique sound, propelling them to a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1994.

Hudson was the last man standing after the group’s chief songwriter, Robbie Robertson, died in August 2023 at the age of 90.

The Band began as supporting players for rockabilly star Ronnie Hawkins in the early 1960s before branching out on their own.

Aside from Hudson, the group consisted of Toronto-born Robertson, Arkansan drummer-singer Levon Helm, bassist-singer-songwriter Rick Danko and keyboardist singer-songwriter Richard Manue, both Canadians.

They remain defined by their first two albums, “Music from Big Pink” and “The Band,” both released in the late 1960s.

The Band’s swansong concert on Nov. 25, 1976, was turned into the iconic film “The Last Waltz,” directed by Martin Scorsese.