Garth Hudson
Canadian multi-instrumentalist
Died when: 87 years 172 days (1049 months)Star Sign: Leo
Eric "Garth" Hudson CM (born August 2, 1937) was a Canadian multi-instrumentalist best known as the keyboardist and occasional saxophonist for rock group the Band, for which he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
He was a principal architect of the group's sound, described as "the most brilliant organist in the rock world" by Keyboard magazine.
With the deaths of Richard Manuel in 1986, Rick Danko in 1999, and Levon Helm in 2012, Hudson is one of only two living original members of the Band, with the other being Robbie Robertson.
A master of the Lowrey organ, Hudson's other primary instruments are piano, accordion, electronic keyboards, and saxophones (alto, tenor, soprano, baritone, bass).
He has been a much-in-demand and respected session musician, performing with dozens of artists, including Elton John, who has cited him as an early influence.