Canadian guitarist Robbie Robertson, best known for his work with the highly influential quintet The Band, has died. He was 80 years old. As a songwriter he was the (co-)author of classics like The Weight, The Shape I’m In, Up on Cripple Creek and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. After the group split years of hassles followed, with singer and drummer Levon Helm as his most vocal opponent.
Robertson's instantly signature tone made him a favorite among his peers. His ability to mix blues, rock, and country, laid the groundwork for a genre that is now labeled as "Americana". He helped Dylan to become electric - they were booed off-stage night after night by rabid folkies, but they persisted. It would become his go-to attitude throughout his career. He made a lot of enemies along the way, but as an artist his huge influence will surely stand the test of time.
