Singer, songwriter and guitarist Robbie Robertson, best known as a member of Canadian-American group “The Band” has passed away. He died in Los Angeles on Wednesday at the age of 80, his management has reported to US media.
Robertson began his career at a young age by joining the backing band of rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins in the late 1950’s. In the mid-1960’s, “The Band” emerged, initially as a backing band for Bob Dylan. Later “The Band” grew into a much appreciated group in their own right, with classics such as “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “The Weight.” In 1976, “The Band” said goodbye with “The Last Waltz,” a grand farewell concert that was made into an album and a movie. The show featured many celebrity guest appearances. The movie was directed by Martin Scorsese.
Robertson also scored a solo hit with 1987’s “Somewhere Down the Crazy River” which was a big hit in the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK.
Robertson also worked on many movie soundtracks including “The Color of Money,” “Gangs of New York, “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “The Irishman.” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” released earlier this year, was Robertson’s last movie
Robertson died surrounded by family, a statement from his manager said.