The Band with Muddy Waters: Caldonia
Garth Hudson died last week. Hudson was the last living member of The Band, so his passing puts the final nail in the coffin of one of the greatest American rock and roll bands. Coincidentally, one of my posts last week was a song from the 1975 album by The Band, just one day after Hudson’s death, but I wanted to make specific note of his death. After this morning’s post about Louis Jordan, it only makes sense to do so with this Jordan cover from the film The Last Waltz. If you watch the film, you will not see this performance, but now we can listen to the entire concert and hear songs such as this cover of “Caldonia” that features Muddy Waters, Pinetop Perkins, and Paul Butterfield. This may not be the most obvious way to honor Hudson, but the important thing to know about Garth Hudson is that he was the musical backbone of the group. He could play anything, and on this tune he lays down an organ that drives the whole song and drops in some accordion. If you watch the live video, you can see him jamming like crazy in the background. Robbie Robertson was the band leader and chief songwriter, Levon Helm was the drummer and most recognizable vocalist, Rick Danko was the cult favorite, and Richard Manuel was the tragic hero who died much too young. Garth Hudson was the other member – quiet, unassuming, and arguably more talented than all of them. Rest in piece Garth, you rock and roll warrior.
To listen to all of the songs of the day, check out the Radio Faux Show Song of the Day playlist.
The Radio Faux Show 
Louis Jordan. A lot of people think Caledonia was the first rock song. Little Richard owes a lot to it. The Band maybe had the last true Americana sound. It seems the new ones, like Colter Wall, Sturgill Simpson are just copies. Jason Isbell might be a good argument. But I find his stuff a bit too smug, too hipstery. But that’s just me. RIP Big Pink.
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I’m a Wilco fan and they have moved in and out of Americana across the years. Some argue Mellencamp was the last. I might argue Steve Earle in the 90s. But The Band were something special and no one has been able to top their Americana sound, IMO.
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Yeah, Steve Earle, John Prine, and Townes Van Zandt definitely can be thrown in there. But they are/were more singer songwriter types, where The Band were….and band. Take care.
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And if you say Caldonia was the first true rock and roll I won’t argue. 🙂
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