RIP Garth Hudson: The Band's musicologist

Some lingering thoughts on the man Robbie Robertson once called "far and away the most advanced musician in rock & roll."

Rolling Stone asked me to write an obit for Garth Hudson before he died — common practice among publications re: important public figures, particularly those of advanced age. I’m certain many draft obits of Bob Dylan, Garth’s sometimes-bandmate, lay in wait on computers worldwide, where I hope they stay.

Sadly, it was time for Garth’s to post; you can read it here. (Thanks to my man David Browne for some last-minute adds.) Garth passed early Tuesday morning, age 87, at the Ten Broeck Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing in the town of Lake Katrine, just north of Kingston NY, tucked between the Esopus Creek and the mighty river he shared his surname with. It’s not far from where I live, not far from the fabled town of