Band, The

Canadian-American roots rock group. Gradually came together from 1960 to 1964 as Ronnie Hawkins' backing band The Hawks. Upon leaving Hawkins in 1964, they were briefly known as Levon And The Hawks. In 1965, they released a single under the name Canadian Squires. In late summer 1965, Bob Dylan was looking for a backup band for his first U.S. "electric" tour, and Levon And The Hawks were recommended by blues singer John Paul Hammond. Sessions with Dylan ended in October 1967. Stories vary as to the manner in which they ultimately adopted the name "The Band", but by 1968, with the release of their first album Music From Big Pink, they were performing officially as The Band. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1994 (performer).

Original line-up:
Rick Danko: bass guitar, double bass, fiddle, trombone, vocals
Levon Helm: drums, mandolin, guitar, vocals
Garth Hudson: keyboard instruments, saxophones, trumpet
Richard Manuel: piano, drums, baritone saxophone, vocals
Robbie Robertson: guitar, vocals