Jaime Robbie Robertson, one of the finest guitarists and songwriters in music history was born on July 5, 1943 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to a Jewish father, who died in Robbie's childhood and a mother, Rosemarie Myke Robertson, of Mohawk descent. Robbie's interest in music began at an early age and was influenced by relatives at the Six Nations Reservation, where he has related stories of watching informal "jam sessions" as a child and trying to persuade his elders to teach him. Robbie began playing guitar in bands in the Toronto area and in 1958 he joined The Hawks, the backing band of Ronnie Hawkins, a noted rockabilly performer. Over time, Hawkins hired drummer Levon Helm, multi-instrumentalist Garth Hudson, bassist Rick Danko and pianist Richard Manuel in addition to Robertson. These four men would ultimately form The Band, one of rock and roll's premiere acts. In 1963, the members of The Band left Hawkins due to a need to expand themselves musically. Prior to leaving, many attempts had been made to "hire them away" from Hawkins as their talents had not gone unnoticed in the music industry. The Band members chose to work with Bob Dylan and were his backing band during the controversial 1965-1966 "electric" tour.
The Band released their first album "Music From Big Pink" in 1968 and followed with a progression of albums which more and more were anchored on Robertson's masterful songwriting. The Band was often noted for the fascinating combination of American mythological themes in their songs and the astonishing instrumental and vocal versatility of the members. The Band appeared at Woodstock (near where they had lived and written "Big Pink") and their appearance was recorded in the film of the same name. After 16 years on the road, Robbie decided to leave The Band, and they performed a farewell concert "The Last Waltz" on Thanksgiving Day, 1976. This concert was performed at the Winterland, the venue where they played their first concert as The Band years before. The concert included guest appearances by an all-star list of musicians and was produced as a film by Martin Scorsese, who became a close friend and creative partner.
After leaving The Band, Robbie alternated acting in films such as 1980's "Carny" which he also co-wrote and produced, and "The Crossing Guard", and creating film scores. Among his many scores are "Raging Bull", "The King of Comedy", "The Color of Money", "Any Given Sunday" and "Jimmy Hollywood."
In 1987, Robertson released his first solo album the acclaimed "Robbie Robertson", which was followed by 1990's "Storyville" and "Contact from the Underworld of Red Boy" in 1998. He also formed Robbie Robertson and the Red Road Ensemble in 1994, a group of talented Native American musicians to create "Music For the Native Americans", an album which explored his Mohawk heritage.
Robertson has been the recipient of many honors, including induction as a member of The Band, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he has received several Grammy nominations for his solo work and has received the Native American Music Awards Album of the Year for "Contact from the Underworld of Red Boy." He has also received a National Academy of Songwriters Lifetime Achievement Award.
Robbie Robertson is married to Dominique Robertson and has three children, daughters Alexandra and Delphine and son, Sebastian. Delphine and Sebastian both performed on "Music for the Native Americans." He currently resides in Santa Monica, California.
Bio written by: anon |
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