Performance · Production

The Band

The Band is credited on 678 releases across 107 albums tracked on Gatefold, active 1969–2025 — the collector-built map of who actually made the music.

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678

Credits

107

Albums

Decades active

872

In collections

Biography

source

Canadian-American roots rock group. Gradually came together from 1960 to 1964 as Ronnie Hawkins' backing band The Hawks (2) (opens in a new tab). Upon leaving Hawkins in 1964, they were briefly known as Levon And the Hawks. In 1965, they released a single under the name Canadian Squires. In late summer 1965, Bob Dylan was looking for a backup band for his first U.S. "electric" tour, and Levon And The Hawks were recommended by blues singer John Paul Hammond. Sessions with Dylan ended in October 1967. Stories vary as to the manner in which they ultimately adopted the name "The Band", but by 1968, with the release of their first album Music From Big Pink, they were performing officially as The Band. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1994 (performer).
Original line-up:
Rick Danko (1943-1999): bass guitar, double bass, fiddle, trombone, vocals
Levon Helm (1940-2012): drums, mandolin, guitar, vocals
Garth Hudson (1937-2025): keyboard instruments, saxophones, trumpet
Richard Manuel (1943-1986): piano, drums, baritone saxophone, vocals
Robbie Robertson (1943-2023): guitar, vocals