Garth Hudson

Garth Hudson
Hudson performing in 1971
Background information
Born
Eric Garth Hudson

(1937-08-02)August 2, 1937
DiedJanuary 21, 2025(2025-01-21) (aged 87)
Genres
Occupations
Instruments
  • Keyboards
  • saxophone
  • accordion
Years active1949–2023
Label
Formerly of
Websitegarthandmaud.com³

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.

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. By the time of his death in 2025, he was The Band's last surviving original member.