Robbie Robertson found his faith and purpose on the radio. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, this child of jewelry-plating factory workers discovered rock-and-roll via the Am airwaves of Wkbw out of Buffalo, New York, and fell hard for the blues in the wee hours when Wlac deejay John R. blasted the 12-bar gospel into his bedroom from the far-off music mecca of Nashville, Tennessee. His path was set, and it brought him to rowdy rockabilly artist Ronnie Hawkins, who was impressed enough with a teenage Robertson's guitar acumen to bring him on as a member of his backing band The Hawks. In the early 1960s, Robertson formed a bond with singer/bassist Rick Danko, singer/pianist Richard Manuel, multi-instrumentalist Garth Hudson, and singer-drummer Levon Helm.
It's here that these five, brilliantly talented rock-blues aficionados formed The Band.
Robertson, who passed away today at the age of 80 after a long illness,...
It's here that these five, brilliantly talented rock-blues aficionados formed The Band.
Robertson, who passed away today at the age of 80 after a long illness,...
- 8/9/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
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