Garth Hudson, the last surviving founding member of the iconic rock group The Band, has died at the age of 87. His passing on January 21 was confirmed by multiple sources, including The Guardian and AP News. Hudson, who spent his final years living in a nursing home in Woodstock, New York, was renowned for his exceptional work as the Band's organist and multi-instrumentalist, crafting some of the most memorable sounds of the 1960s and 70s.

Known for his distinctively profound organ lines in classics such as "Up on Cripple Creek" and "The Weight," Hudson's contribution to rock music went beyond mere performance. His mastery of diverse instruments such as the saxophone and accordion allowed him to create a unique musical texture that became a cornerstone of The Band's identity. As noted by Reuters, he brought a remarkable ability to evoke emotion through music, being described as a "musical genius" by peers and critics alike.

Born in Windsor, Ontario, in 1937, Hudson was a classically trained musician who initially played in local rock bands before joining Ronnie Hawkins' backing band, known as The Hawks, which would eventually evolve into The Band. The group famously collaborated with Bob Dylan, notably during his controversial transition to electric music, and participated in iconic recordings known as "The Basement Tapes."

Hudson's innovation in sound was evident in his compositions, particularly in songs like "Chest Fever" where he crafted an extensive and compelling organ solo that showcased his musical versatility. Over the years, the Band produced several landmark albums, including "Music from Big Pink" and "The Band," which garnered critical acclaim and influenced numerous artists in the rock genre and beyond.

The Band was honored with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Throughout his career, Hudson collaborated with various major artists, including Leonard Cohen and Van Morrison, and received praise for his distinguished musical ability, continuing to inspire new generations.

In his later years, however, Hudson faced financial difficulties, culminating in bankruptcy and the loss of much of his property. Nonetheless, his impact on music remained immeasurable, as his unique talent and contributions to The Band have left an indelible mark on rock music history.

As the music community mourns the loss of Garth Hudson, his legacy as a transformative musician and the last of The Band's original members will undoubtedly resonate through the annals of music history. Hudson is survived by his daughter, Tami Zoe Hill.

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