Robbie Robertson

Biography

Robbie Robertson was a Canadian musician, songwriter, and film composer best known as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for The Band, one of the most influential rock groups of the late 1960s and 1970s. His work combined rock, folk, blues, and Americana, shaping the sound of modern music. Beyond his time with The Band, Robertson had a successful solo career and worked extensively in film music, often collaborating with director Martin Scorsese.

Early Life and Background

Jaime Royal "Robbie" Robertson was born on July 5, 1943, in Toronto, Canada. His mother was of Mohawk and Cayuga descent, and he often spent summers on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, where he was exposed to Indigenous music and storytelling. His father, Alexander Klegerman, died when Robertson was a child, and he later took the surname of his stepfather.

Robertson developed a love for music early, teaching himself to play guitar and joining bands as a teenager. By the late 1950s, he was playing in rockabilly and R&B groups, setting the stage for his later success.

Career

Early Music Career and The Band

In the early 1960s, Robertson joined Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, a backing band for the American rockabilly singer. The group evolved into The Band, featuring Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, and Richard Manuel.

The Band rose to prominence after working with Bob Dylan, backing him during his controversial transition from acoustic folk to electric rock in the mid-1960s. This collaboration helped establish The Band’s unique sound—a fusion of rock, folk, blues, and country.

Major Albums with The Band:

• Music from Big Pink (1968) – Featuring classics like The Weight, this album redefined rock music with its raw, organic sound.
• The Band (1969) – Often called "The Brown Album," this record included Up on Cripple Creek and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.
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• Stage Fright (1970) – Showcased a more introspective and personal songwriting approach.
• Cahoots (1971), Northern Lights – Southern Cross (1975), and Islands (1977) – Continued The Band’s exploration of American roots music.

The Last Waltz (1976)

In 1976, The Band held a farewell concert, The Last Waltz, featuring performances by Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and others. The event was filmed by Martin Scorsese, resulting in the legendary concert documentary The Last Waltz (1978). Robertson took a leading role in organizing the event and later collaborated with Scorsese on numerous film projects.

After The Last Waltz, The Band disbanded, though some members reunited without Robertson in the 1980s.

Solo Career

Following The Band’s breakup, Robertson pursued a solo career, releasing several critically acclaimed albums:

• Robbie Robertson (1987) – Featuring Somewhere Down the Crazy River and collaborations with U2 and Peter Gabriel.
• Storyville (1991) – Inspired by New Orleans music.
• Music for The Native Americans (1994) – A tribute to his Indigenous heritage.
• Contact from the Underworld of Redboy (1998) – Blended electronic and Native American music.
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• How to Become Clairvoyant (2011) – A deeply personal album featuring contributions from Eric Clapton and Tom Morello.
• Sinematic (2019) – His final solo album, influenced by his work in film.
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Film and Television Work

Robertson became a key figure in film music, primarily through his collaborations with Martin Scorsese. He worked on the scores and soundtracks for:

• Raging Bull (1980)
• The King of Comedy (1982)
• Casino (1995)
• Gangs of New York (2002)
• The Irishman (2019)

His ability to blend rock, blues, and cinematic soundscapes made his film compositions unique and memorable.

Death and Tributes

Robbie Robertson passed away on August 9, 2023, at the age of 80. His death was mourned by musicians, filmmakers, and fans worldwide. Martin Scorsese, Bob Dylan, and countless others paid tribute to his immense influence on music and film.