Robbie Robertson

Jaime Robert Klegerman popularly known as Robbie Robertson is a guitarist, singer and songwriter born on 5th July, 1943 in Toronto, Canada. Robbie is best remembered for his wonderful performances as a member of “The Band”. As per Rolling Stone magazine he ranked Seventy eight in the list of best hundred Guitarists to be ever born on this planet

Robbie Robertson’s father was a Jew and his mother a Mohawk. Robbie adopted his stepfather's surname after his mother married him. His first experience of music was at Six Nations of the Grand River 1ST Nation, where he went to live during the summers as it was the place of his mother's family folks. Robbie Robertson learned to play guitar at a young age and had written songs and performed in many live shows as a teenager.

Robertson had begun performing with several groups around Toronto by 1958, like “Robbie and Robots”, “Little Caeser and the Consuls” and “Thumper and the Trumbones”. As an Artist Robbie got acquainted to singer Ronnie Hawkins in1959, who was leading a band named “The Hawks” after having shifted to Canada. In 1960 two Robertson songs were recorded by Hawkins, “Someone Like You” and “Hey Boba Lu” on his LP Mr. Dynamo. The relationship eventually developed and Robertson got the opportunity to be the lead guitarist of “The Hawks” and went on many tours with the group. After an association of three years Robbie Robertson decided to part away from Hawkins in 1963. Many compilations and albums of Ronnie Hawkins have Robertson appearing on them.

In 1964 Robbie Robertson became part of the group consisting of Garth Hudson, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel and American Levon Helm, the quintet thought of many names including funny ones like “The Honkies” but ultimately named them as “The Band”. The Band was lauded from their first album, Music from the Big Pink in1968, and was appreciated as rock music's eminent group. The Band’s music was extensively covered and praised by Rolling Stone magazine. Robertson also sang a few songs for The Band, but was principally regarded as the chief songwriter. Robbie Robertson was often looked at as the de facto leader of the band.

Robbie Robertson left the band in 1976 as he had stressed out after going on tours for 16 years. He was officially acknowledged as the The Band’s songwriter this ensured that Robbie earns enough royalties to live without stressing himself. Robertson made the albums “Beautiful Noise” for Neil Diamond in 1976 and “Love At Greek” in 1977. Robertson composed background music for Scorsese's “Raging Bull” and “King Of Comedy” released in 1978. From 1997 till 2000, Robertson was busy with documentaries and side projects. Robertson was bestowed with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 from the Academy of Songwriters.Walk of Fame in Canada listed Robbie Robertson‘s name in 2003.