Rick Danko Turns Eighty

 

Rick Danko 

Rick Danko would have turned eighty years old yesterday. He was born December 29th, 1943 in Blayney, Ontario, Canada. He is best know as being a member of The Band. He was a multiinstrumental musician who is considered to be one of the best bass guitarists of all time and known for his talent vocally. 

Danko played several different types of bass including a Fender Jazz Bass (as seen above) and Gibson Rippers (as seen below.) 

Rick with a standup bass

In 1977 after the breakup of The Band the previous year, Danko released a self-titled solo album. One of my favorite albums filled with fun songs. All former memebers except Robbie Robertson of The Band were featured on at least one song each in the album.

Danko's debut solo album

In 1983 The Band was reformed by Danko, Helm, Manuel, and Hudson. Dankpo played in the newly formed band, did solo shows, and collaborated with other artists until his death in 1999. He was 55 years old. 

Richard Clare Danko

1943-1999

Richard Manuel Turns Eighty

Richard Manuel on drums

April 3rd, 1943 in Stratford, Ontario Richard George Manuel was born. He is most well known for being a member of The Band. He took his own life age 42. If he were alive today he would be 80. Happy Birthday, Richard. We miss you. We appreciate you. We love you.

Rick Danko and Richard Manuel

Richard Manuel on piano

Richard lives on in the words he sang, the songs he wrote, the music he played and through spirit. He is greatly missed by all who knew him and those of us who love his music.

All five members of The Band

I see my light come shining

From the west down to the east

Any day now, any day now

I shall be released

Richard George Manuel

1943-1986

Levon Helm: ten years later

Levon Helm died ten years ago, today. He was 71 years old. 

I dont want to sit here and mope about how he would be 81 years old if he were still here, or that he left us too soon. I'd rather just take a moment to appreciate one talented man on a sad day. 

Born in Elaine Arkansas on May 26, 1940, Lavon "Levon" Helm grew up in rural Arkansas in a musical family. He picked up multiple intruments and then while still in high school was offered a spot in Ronnie Hawkin's band The Hawks. Levon would go on to meet fellow musicians Rick Danko, Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson. They became Levon and the Hawks, or just the Hawks. 

Meanwhile Bob Dylan was interested in playing more electric music and asked the Hawks to become his backing band. Helm, Danko, Robertson, Manuel, and Hudson would end up breaking out from behind Dylan and become The Band. 

To make a very long story short the Band would end up become one of rock and roll's greatest bands. 

Levon is well loved, well missed, and well remembered.