# Robbie Robertson

> Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist (1943–2023)

**Wikidata**: [Q117249](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117249)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Robertson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robbie-robertson

## Summary
Robbie Robertson was a Canadian singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as a founding member of The Band and for his influential contributions to rock and folk music. His work helped define the sound of Americana and roots rock, and he was widely recognized for his songwriting and musical storytelling.

## Biography
- Born: July 5, 1943, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Founding member of The Band; solo music and film score composition
- Employer(s): The Band, Capitol Records, Geffen Records
- Field(s): Music, songwriting, film scoring, acting

## Contributions
Robbie Robertson was a central creative force in The Band, co-writing iconic songs such as "The Weight," "Up on Cripple Creek," and "It Makes No Difference." He also composed and produced music for films, including Martin Scorsese's "The Last Waltz" (1978), and scored movies like "Casino" (1995) and "The Departed" (2006). His solo career included albums such as "Robbie Robertson" (1987) and "Storyteller" (2022), which explored themes of Indigenous heritage and North American history.

## FAQs
**Who was Robbie Robertson?**  
Robbie Robertson was a Canadian musician, songwriter, and guitarist, most notably a founding member of The Band, known for blending rock, folk, and country influences into a distinctive American sound.

**What is Robbie Robertson most known for?**  
He is most known for his role in The Band, where he served as the primary songwriter and lead guitarist, contributing to classics like "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek." He also composed film scores and released solo albums.

**What films did Robbie Robertson contribute to?**  
Robbie Robertson composed music for films such as "The Last Waltz" (1978), "Casino" (1995), and "The Departed" (2006), and acted in "The Last Waltz" and "Once Were Warriors" (1994).

**Did Robbie Robertson win any awards?**  
Yes, he received multiple awards, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Band in 1994, a CASBY Award, and recognition from Canada's Walk of Fame.

**What record labels was Robbie Robertson associated with?**  
He was associated with Capitol Records and Geffen Records, both during his time with The Band and his solo career.

## Why They Matter
Robbie Robertson's work with The Band helped shape the genre of Americana and influenced countless musicians with a sound that fused North American folk traditions with rock. His film scores elevated cinematic storytelling, and his solo projects preserved Indigenous narratives and personal heritage through music. His legacy continues to inspire artists and filmmakers alike.

## Notable For
- Founding member and primary songwriter of The Band
- Composer of iconic songs like "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek"
- Film composer for "The Last Waltz," "Casino," and "The Departed"
- Inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994)
- Recipient of the CASBY Award
- Solo album releases including "Robbie Robertson" (1987) and "Storyteller" (2022)
- Collaborator with Martin Scorsese on multiple film projects
- Representation in Canada's music and cultural history through Canada's Walk of Fame

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Robbie Robertson was born Jaime Royal Robertson on July 5, 1943, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His mother, Rosemarie Robertson, was of Mohawk and Cayuga heritage, and his father, James Donald Kleger, was Jewish-Canadian. He was raised in Toronto and later moved to the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve, where his mother had family ties. He attended the Woodland Cultural Centre, which influenced his early interest in music and storytelling.

### Musical Career
#### The Band
Robbie Robertson co-founded The Band in 1964, originally known as The Hawks. The group became one of the most influential rock and folk-rock ensembles of the 1960s and beyond. Robertson served as the group's lead guitarist and primary songwriter, penning many of their most celebrated songs, including:
- "The Weight" (1968)
- "Up on Cripple Creek" (1969)
- "It Makes No Difference" (1970)

The Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Their music, heavily influenced by American folk, blues, and country traditions, was a major influence on the development of roots rock and Americana genres.

#### Solo Career and Projects
Robertson released several solo albums that explored his personal and cultural heritage:
- "Robbie Robertson" (1987) – His debut solo album, which included collaborations with Daniel Lanois and explored themes of North American history.
- "Storyteller" (2022) – A collection of songs that revisited his musical journey and Indigenous roots.

He also composed music for films, including:
- "The Last Waltz" (1978) – A documentary film by Martin Scorsese featuring The Band's final concert, for which Robertson served as musical director and contributed original compositions.
- "Casino" (1995) – Scored by Robertson, the film's soundtrack featured a blend of rock, jazz, and orchestral elements.
- "The Departed" (2006) – Robertson's score for this film was praised for its atmospheric and dramatic contributions to the narrative.

### Film and Television Work
Robertson worked on several film and television projects, including:
- "The Last Waltz" (1978) – Documentary film directed by Martin Scorsese, featuring performances by The Band and guest musicians.
- "Once Were Warriors" (1994) – Robertson composed the film's score and made a brief on-screen appearance.

He also composed music for the TV series "The Civil War" (1990) by Ken Burns, contributing to the show's emotional and historical depth.

### Awards and Recognition
Robertson received numerous honors throughout his career:
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Band in 1994.
- Recipient of the CASBY Award (Canadian Alternative Songs by You) for contributions to music.
- Honored with a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in 2005.

### Personal Life and Legacy
Robertson passed away on August 9, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. His legacy includes shaping the sound of North American music, blending Indigenous storytelling with rock and folk traditions. His work continues to influence musicians and composers, and his contributions to film and television remain foundational in American and Canadian culture.

### Musical Style and Influence
Robertson's music is characterized by its deep roots in North American folk traditions, blending blues, country, and rock into a cohesive narrative style. His songwriting often focused on historical and personal themes, particularly those related to Indigenous identity and the American frontier. His influence can be seen in the work of artists like The Band, Bob Dylan, and other musicians who drew from similar traditions.

### Record Labels and Industry Affiliations
Robertson was associated with major record labels including:
- Capitol Records – Distributed The Band's early albums and Robertson's solo works.
- Geffen Records – Released his later solo albums and film soundtracks.

### Cultural and Historical Impact
Robertson's work preserved and reinterpreted North American musical traditions, particularly those of Indigenous and rural communities. His compositions and collaborations with filmmakers like Martin Scorsese elevated the role of music in visual storytelling. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and filmmakers.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Robbie Robertson. maniadb](http://www.maniadb.com/artist/129709?o=g)
3. [Robbie Robertson, Leader of The Band, Dies at 80. Variety. 2023](https://variety.com/2023/music/news/robbie-robertson-dead-the-band-1235692172/)
4. BnF authorities
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. www.acmi.net.au
7. [21st Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Cocktails and Dinner. WireImage. 2006](http://www.wireimage.com/celebrity-pictures/Robbie-Robertson-and-Lidia-Andich-during-21st-Annual-Rock-and-Roll/111251754)
8. [Classic Masters: Robbie Robertson](http://www.spirit-of-rock.com/album-groupe-Robbie_Robertson-nom_album-Classic_Masters-l-cn.html)
9. [Robbie Robertson](http://www.spirit-of-rock.com/album-groupe-Robbie_Robertson-nom_album-Robbie_Robertson-l-cn.html)
10. [Jesse Winchester Review by William Ruhlmann. AllMusic](http://www.allmusic.com/album/jesse-winchester-mw0000319466)
11. [The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down:  Song Review by Jason Ankeny. AllMusic](http://www.allmusic.com/song/the-night-they-drove-old-dixie-down-mt0048183876)
12. [Source](https://ggpaa.ca/award-recipients/2006/robertson-robbie.aspx)
13. [Source](https://junoawards.ca/artist-profile/robbie-robertson/)
14. [Source](https://www.hmmawards.com/2023-hmma-winners-and-nominees/)
15. [Source](https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/americana-indigenous-roots-robbie-robertson/)
16. International Standard Name Identifier
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18. IMDb
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. Virtual International Authority File
21. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
22. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2024)
23. [Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/robbie-robertson-singer-storyteller-influencer-roots-six-nations-1.6934152)
24. BBC Things
25. ISWC Network
26. Quora
27. LIBRIS. 2009
28. Artsdata.ca
29. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
30. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno
31. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/robbie-robertson-107Zzr2ygy/appearances)
32. The Movie Database