Garth Hudson, last surviving member of The Band, dies at 87: 'A musical genius'

Garth Hudson, the last surviving member of The Band, has died. He was 87.

Hudson died early Tuesday in a nursing home near Woodstock, New York, his former manager, Jim Della Croce, confirmed to USA TODAY. Della Croce remembered the late musician as a "brilliant man" and the "glue that made The Band, The Band."

The verified Facebook page for The Band also confirmed Hudson's death and shared a tribute.

"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,'" the post said. "Through his music, he did just that — helping us all feel more deeply and connect to something greater."

Hudson played keyboard for The Band, the influential rock group that formed in 1957 and was originally called the Hawks. The band famously performed with Bob Dylan and in 1968 released its debut studio album, "Music from Big Pink."

Robbie Robertson, The Band's lead guitarist and primary songwriter, dies at 80

The Band's 1976 farewell concert was captured in the Martin Scorsese film "The Last Waltz" and featured artists like Dylan, Ringo Starr, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. The group later reunited sans guitarist and songwriter Robbie Robertson.

The Band received a lifetime achievement award Grammy in 2008, and in 1994, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"Revered for their musical prowess and unique blend of sounds, The Band has performed everywhere with everyone," the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame notes.

"Who else can say they backed Bob Dylan, played Watkins Glen with Grateful Dead and gave a farewell concert with Neil Young, Muddy Waters and Joni Mitchell immortalized on film by Martin Scorsese? The Band, more than any other group, put rock and roll back in touch with its roots."

Hudson was the last surviving member of The Band after Robertson died in 2023. That same year, the Scorsese film "Killers of the Flower Moon," for which Robertson composed the score, was released.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Garth Hudson dead: Last surviving member of The Band was 87