On This Day (July 1) in 1968, The Band released their debut album, Music from Big Pink. The 11-track collection introduced the world to their country soul sound. It also included the group’s first hit single, Bob Dylan-penned songs, and a cover of “Long Black Veil,” made popular by Lefty Frizzell.
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The Band had been together for more than a decade before releasing their debut album. They formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1957. Originally called The Hawks, they were rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins’ backing group for five years. However, they gained more acclaim for backing Dylan on his 1966 tour as his first electric group. Two years later, they changed their name and released Music from Big Pink, coming into their own.
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The amount of musical talent within The Band was incredible. All five members of the group were multi-instrumentalists, and most also shared vocal duties. Many of the group’s original members went on to be legendary figures in the folk, Americana, and country spheres. The original lineup consisted of Levon Helm (drums, guitar, bass, mandolin, vocals), Robbie Robertson (guitar, percussion, piano), Rick Danko (bass, guitar, fiddle, vocals), Garth Hudson (organ, keyboards, accordion, saxophone), and Richard Manuel (piano, drums, vocals). Additionally, Manuel, Danko, and Robertson had songwriting credits on Music from Big Pink.
The Band’s debut was more than a great album. It was a collection of highly influential songs. Their effortless balance of folk, rock, jazz, country, and R&B inspired countless artists, including Elton John, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, and George Harrison.
Bob Dylan Co-Wrote Several Songs on The Band’s Debut Album
Music from Big Pink introduced the world to The Band. Decades later, the most popular cut from the album is the Robbie Robertson-penned “The Weight” with vocals from Levon Helm and Rick Danko. However, their former frontman, Bob Dylan, contributed multiple songs to the record.
Dylan wrote the album’s final track, “I Shall Be Released.” Additionally, he co-wrote “This Wheel’s on Fire” with Danko and “Tears of Rage” with Richard Manuel.
The Band would return a little more than a year later with their self-titled sophomore album. It saw Robertson taking on the bulk of the songwriting, penning songs solo and with Manuel and Helm for the record.
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