Robbie Robertson, the iconic Canadian artist best known as the former frontman of The Band and a frequent collaborator with Martin Scorsese, has passed away at the age of 80. Robertson, who had been battling a long illness, died on Wednesday morning, as confirmed by EW. This news comes after he recently finished composing for Scorsese’s upcoming film, Killers of the Flower Moon.
In a heartfelt statement, Scorsese paid tribute to his long-time friend and collaborator, describing Robertson as a constant presence in his life and work. He expressed his admiration for Robertson’s music, which played a significant role not only in his life but in the lives of millions around the world. Scorsese highlighted the profound and lasting impact Robertson had on the art form and expressed his love for the musician, acknowledging that there is never enough time with loved ones.
Robertson’s manager of 34 years, Jared Levine, released an additional statement stating that the musician was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Six Nations of the Grand River to support the construction of their new cultural center.
Born Jaime Royal Robertson on July 5, 1943, Robertson had a multifaceted career as a songwriter, producer, performer, actor, and film composer spanning more than six decades. He developed a passion for music at a young age and began playing guitar in various bands during his teenage years. Eventually, he formed a band called The Hawks with Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, and Levon Helm. Initially serving as Ronnie Hawkins’ backing band, they were later recruited for Bob Dylan’s electric 1965-66 world tour. The Hawks eventually became known as The Band.
During their relatively short-lived eight-year career, The Band made a significant impact on the music industry. Robertson and his bandmates are credited with popularizing Americana music, delivering classic hits like “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” The Band’s farewell concert in 1976, famously captured on film as The Last Waltz by Scorsese, marked the start of Robertson’s solo career and his enduring partnership with the filmmaker. As a composer, music supervisor, and music producer, Robertson collaborated with Scorsese on notable films like Raging Bull, The King of Comedy, The Color of Money, Gangs of New York, The Departed, Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street, Silence, The Irishman, and the upcoming Killers of the Flower Moon.
In addition to his work with Scorsese, Robertson also produced and wrote his own film in 1980, titled Carny, which centered around the world of traveling carnivals and featured Jodie Foster. Drawing from his own experience working in carnivals as a teenager, Robertson brought his unique perspective to the story. Throughout his career, he also lent his guitar skills to notable musicians like Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, and Joni Mitchell, while continuing to create his own music. His extensive discography includes his self-titled 1987 album, Robbie Robertson, as well as five subsequent albums, with his final release being Sinematic in 2019.
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