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Delve into the rise and legacy of The Band, one of the most influential rock groups of the late '60s and '70s. Explore their journey from backing Ronnie Hawkins to collaborating with Bob Dylan and creating iconic albums. Get a glimpse into their music, evolution, and impact on the rock scene.
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*I’ll be down to get you in a taxi honey Better be ready by half past eight Now, honey don’t be late I want to be there When THE BAND starts playing…
The Band A last Waltz through Big Pink
For about Six Years, from 1968 to 1975, the Band was one of the most popular and influential rock groups in the world. Their albums were analyzed as intensely as any record by their one-time employer Bob Dylan and for a long time, their personalities were as individually recognizable by the public as any member of the Beatles. All Music Guide
The Band started as the backing band for Arkansas rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins. Known as the Hawks, they started gigging throughout the South in 1958. They soon headed to Ontario Canada where the pay was better. There, over the next four years the rest of what was to become The Band, Robertson, Hudson, Manuel and Danko, signed on.
In spite of their success and tired of Hawkins overbearing ego, Helms led the group out on their own as “Levon and the Hawks” in mid 1963.
In 1965 Bob Dylan made the transition from folk to rock when he plugged in his guitar at the Newport Folk Festival. Through a connection at his label Dylan was introduced to Helm and Robertson. He hired the Hawks as his backing band, starting a career long relationship. Later the same year Dylan and the Hawks embarked on a turbulent, historic and groundbreaking 1965 tour of Europe.
Following his 1968 motorcycle accident, Dylan retreated with the Hawks to a rented house in Woodstock NY that became known as Big Pink. In the basement they wrote and cut a large number of demos. During this time Dylan began referring to the Hawks simply as The Band. Later that year The Band decided to it was time to record their first album as an independent group.