Robbie Robertson
Robbie
Robertson was born on July 5, 1943 in Toronto, Ontario. His
father was Jewish, and his mother Mohawk. Robbie got his first
taste of live music at the Six Nations Reservation. He
also was exposed to country music at a young age.
Robbie began taking guitar lessons as a boy, and was soon composing his own music. He changed his music style over time, and began to play big band rock.
Robertson quit school, and in 1958, met up with Ronnie Hawkins and began to play with his backing band, The Hawks. He stayed with the band for several years, and in 1963, the band began to work on their own. In 1965, they began to tour with Bob Dylan on his world tour. They continued to work with Dylan, and changed their name to the Band.
The Band released several albums together including Music From Big Pink, in 1968. On Thanksgiving day, 1976, the Band split up following a concert filmed by Martin Scorsese. (The Last Waltz)
Working with Scorsese brought out Robertson's interest in acting, and in 1980 he produced and starred in Carny, staring Jodie Foster. He also composed the score for Raging Bull the same year.
Robertson continued to focus his music in the film industry, working on such films as The Color Of Money, and King Of Comedy.
In 1987, Robertson released a self-titled album featuring Band mates Danko and Hudson as well as the talent of U2, Peter Gabriel, Daniel Lanois, and Gill Evans.
In 1994, Robbie returned to his musical roots and teamed up with a Native American band called Red Road Ensemble. Together they released Music For The Native Americans, which was a collection of songs composed for a documentary series. This release was followed by Contact from the Underworld of Redboy in 1998.