The Band facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Band
Bob Dylan and The Band touring in Chicago in 1974.
Background information
Origin	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres	Americana, Roots rock, Country rock, Folk rock
Years active	1964–1976, 1983–1999
Labels	Capitol Records Rhino Records Warner Bros. Records
Associated acts	Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan, The Hawks, Canadian Squires
Past members	Levon Helm Garth Hudson Rick Danko Robbie Robertson Richard Manuel Stan Szelest Jim Weider Randy Ciarlante Richard Bell

The Band was a famous rock music group that played music from 1964 to 1976, and then again from 1983 to 1999. The first members were four Canadians: Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson, and Rick Danko. The fifth member was an American named Levon Helm.

The band was featured in a 1978 movie called The Last Waltz. This movie showed their final concert.

The Band's Journey

The Band started out playing with a singer named Ronnie Hawkins. They were known as The Hawks back then. Later, they became the backup band for the famous singer Bob Dylan. They toured and recorded many songs with him.

Becoming The Band

After working with Bob Dylan, the group decided to make their own music. They moved to a big pink house in New York, which inspired the name of their first album. They became known simply as "The Band."

Their music blended different styles like Americana, Roots rock, and Folk rock. They were known for their unique sound and for all members singing and playing different instruments.

Key Members and Their Roles

The main members of The Band were:

• Robbie Robertson – He mostly played guitar and wrote many of their songs.
• Rick Danko – He played bass guitar and sang.
• Levon Helm – He was the drummer and also sang many lead vocals.
• Richard Manuel – He played keyboards, sang, and sometimes played drums.
• Garth Hudson – He played various keyboards and the saxophone, adding unique sounds.

These five musicians were the core of the group for many years.

The Last Waltz Concert

In 1976, The Band decided to stop touring. They held a huge farewell concert called "The Last Waltz" on Thanksgiving Day. Many famous musicians joined them on stage, like Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Neil Young. This concert was filmed and turned into a movie.

Later Years

After "The Last Waltz," the band members went their separate ways for a while. However, they got back together in 1983, though Robbie Robertson did not join them. They continued to perform and record new music with some new members until 1999.

Music Albums

The Band released many albums during their time together. Here are some of their most well-known studio albums:

• Music from Big Pink (1968): This was their first album and included their famous song "The Weight".
• The Band (1969): This album was also very popular and featured songs like "Up on Cripple Creek".
• Stage Fright (1970): Another successful album that reached high on the music charts.
• Northern Lights – Southern Cross (1975): This album came out closer to their farewell concert.

They also released live albums, which are recordings of their concerts, like Rock of Ages (1972).

Collaborations with Bob Dylan

The Band worked closely with Bob Dylan on several albums. Some of these include:

• Planet Waves (1974)
• Before the Flood (1974)
• The Basement Tapes (1975)

Popular Songs

The Band had several hit songs that were popular on the radio. Some of their most famous singles include:

• "The Weight" (1968)
• "Up on Cripple Creek" (1969)
• "Rag Mama Rag" (1970)
• "Life Is a Carnival" (1971)
• "Don't Do It" (1972)
• "Ophelia" (1976)

Images for kids

• 

  "Big Pink" in 2006, the house where The Band lived and wrote music.

• 

  L to R: Danko, Helm and Manuel on tour in Hamburg, Germany, in 1971.

• 

  Garth Hudson in 1971.

• 

  The Band with guests at the Last Waltz concert. Photo: David Gans.

• 

  The Band in Hamburg, 1971: (left to right) Manuel, Danko, Robertson, and Helm.

See also

In Spanish: The Band para niños