Garth Hudson's standout musical moments
From a career-defining sax solo with the Band to playing accordion with Bob Dylan
Garth Hudson, who died on Jan. 21, 2025, at the age of 87, was a musician's musician. The last living member of the Band, Hudson was beloved as a mentor, collaborator and co-conspirator by countless artists.
He was a prolific instrumentalist (keys, accordion, saxophone, to name a few), producer, recording engineer and arranger who rarely sought the spotlight but couldn't quite avoid it thanks to his jaw-dropping solos and iconic contributions to classic hit songs.
It's almost impossible to capture the depth of his legacy, but below are some of the most memorable musical moments from Hudson's remarkable life.
Sax solo: 'It Makes No Difference'
Time stamp: 5:26
This clip from The Last Waltz is a go-to example of Hudson's genius on the saxophone and a fan favourite from the film.
Keyboard solo: 'Chest Fever'
Time stamp: 3:01
Marvel as Hudson's hands seem to move both independent of each other and in complete sync to deliver a dynamic one-two punch of groove and soul.
Accordion: 'Mr. Tambourine Man'
Recorded live in L.A. in 1974 with Bob Dylan and the Band, this song features Hudson's deft accordion skills in full flight, infusing the classic with an extra bit of ramble that it was always secretly missing.
Keys: 'The Weight'
In Chicago in 2017, Hudson performed a gorgeous, nine-plus-minute-long piano intro to this otherwise rollicking cover of "The Weight."
Accordion: 'When I Paint My Masterpiece'
At a 30th anniversary tribute to Dylan, Hudson was one of two accordionists onstage playing this song, but he still managed to stand out thanks to his virtuoso performance.
Keys: 'Little Island'
Hudson's sole co-writing credit with the Band was the title track, "Islands," off the final record from the group's original lineup. It's a great song, but don't sleep on Hudson's solo song, "Little Island." It perfectly conveys the visionary beauty and creative possibility Hudson infused in every note he played.
Keys: The Basement Tapes
Time stamp: 7:21
Hudson's Rolling Stone video interview follows him back to Big Pink — the infamous house where the Band recorded its breakthrough debut, Music from the Big Pink — for the first time since he moved out. Hudson reflects on Dylan and the Band's landmark recordings, The Basement Tapes, and when he sits down to play the piano in the basement for the last time, it's hauntingly beautiful.
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