Renowned guitarist and creative genius behind The Band, Robbie Robertson‘s remarkable contributions to music and film leave an indelible mark on entertainment history

Robbie Robertson, Legendary Band Icon and Collaborator on Scorsese Films, Dies at 80

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A somber note struck the music world as Robbie Robertson, celebrated guitarist and creative force behind The Band, passed away aged 80. Recognized for both his iconic contributions to rock music and an illustrious film partnership with director Martin Scorsese, Robertson’s impact is one for the annals of entertainment history.

Robbie Robertson, the driving force behind The Band died Wednesday in Los Angeles. The legendary guitarist and songwriter was 80. pic.twitter.com/WzUFlNcqIu
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) August 9, 2023

Born July 5, 1943, in Toronto, Ontario, Robertson’s music journey ignited at 10. By 16, he was a member of the Hawks, eventually transforming into the renowned The Band. His early work saw collaboration with the legendary Bob Dylan during the 1965-66 “Going Electric” tours. In 1969, The Band’s performance at the Woodstock Festival solidified their rock legend status.

Their albums, most notably “Music from Big Pink” and the eponymous “The Band,” remain pivotal to rock’s canon. Robertson’s songwriting genius can be felt in classics like “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”

But Robertson’s talents weren’t confined to the music arena. He ventured into cinema, marking a decades-spanning collaboration with Martin Scorsese. Their film endeavors began post The Band’s 1976 farewell concert, immortalized in the Scorsese-directed “The Last Waltz.” Their bond led to iconic movie scores for films such a “Raging Bull,” “The King of Comedy,” and the highly-anticipated “Killers of the Flower Moon,” scheduled for a premiere this year.

Robertson’s solo pursuits saw him dabbling in acting with films like “Carny,” and furthering his solo music career. His 1987 self-titled album garnered attention, leading to a slew of releases over the years. The music legend also penned a memoir, “Testimony,” in 2016, offering an intimate peek into his illustrious career. This narrative later inspired a documentary, “Once Were Brothers.”

On the eve of his passing, he had just concluded scoring Scorsese’s latest, “Flower Moon,” starring heavyweights Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro. Scorsese, paying tribute, revered him as a “giant” in the art form.

As fans and contemporaries pay their respects, the Robertson family has requested donations to the Six Nations of the Grand River in lieu of flowers, a gesture reflecting the musician’s deep-rooted ties to his community and heritage. With a legacy spanning over five decades, both in hits and cinematic scores, Robbie Robertson’s influence is an indelible part of the entertainment fabric.