GARTH HUDSON – 83

Garth Hudson has been one of Canada’s most famous musicians. His passion for music began when he was just young. Hudson started his musical journey in the 1950s shortly after dropping out of his music degree. The first band he joined was The Silhouettes in 1956. Eventually, he joined another band in 1961 called the Hawks. The Hawks eventually transformed into the band in 1968 after achieving some success. Hudson originally became an organist within the group but would play more instruments such as saxophones, pianos, accordions, and woodwinds. Their most famous songs include The Weight, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, and I Shall Be Released. The Band became quite influential, with many crediting them as one of the most influential rock groups of all time.

Outside of the Band, Hudson also embarked on a solo career in songwriting and instrumentalist work since 2001. He became a highly sought-after session player, performing alongside musicians such as Teddy Thompson, Jonah Smith, Yesterday’s News, and The Lemonheads.