Garth Hudson
Garth Hudson | |
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Hudson performing in 1971 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Eric Hudson |
| Born | August 2, 1937 Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | January 21, 2025 (aged 87) Woodstock, New York, U.S. |
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| Occupations | |
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| Years active | 1949–2023 |
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| Formerly of | |
| Website | garthandmaud |
Eric Garth Hudson CM (August 2, 1937 – January 21, 2025) was a Canadian multi-instrumentalist best known as the keyboardist and occasional saxophonist for The Band. He was a principal architect of the group's sound and was described as "the most brilliant organist in the rock world" by Keyboard magazine. In 1994, Hudson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Band. Prior to his death in 2025, he was The Band's last surviving original member.
A master of the Lowrey organ, Hudson's other primary instruments were piano, accordion, electronic keyboards, and saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass). He was a much-in-demand and respected session musician, performing with dozens of artists; Elton John has cited him as an early influence.