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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Robbie Robertson

Robbie Robertson was a Canadian musician, songwriter, guitarist, composer, and producer best known as a co-founder, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter of The Band.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Robbie Robertson was a Canadian musician, songwriter, guitarist, composer, and producer best known as a co-founder, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter of The Band. He also worked with Bob Dylan, released solo albums, and composed music for film and television. Robertson was born in Toronto and died in Los Angeles in 2023 at age 80.

Early life and background

Robertson was born in Toronto in 1943. Sources describe him as having roots in both the Mohawk community at Six Nations Reserve and the city’s Jewish community.

The Band

Robertson became known as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter of The Band. He was credited with helping write many of the group’s best-known songs and was central to its identity through the 1960s and 1970s.

Solo work and film music

After leaving The Band, Robertson pursued a solo career and released multiple albums. He also became known for composing and producing music for film, especially through collaborations with Martin Scorsese.

Death and legacy

Robertson died in Los Angeles in 2023 at age 80. He is widely regarded as an important figure in Canadian and North American rock music.

Key facts

  • He was the guitarist and principal songwriter of The Band from its formation until his departure in 1976.
  • He worked as a lead guitarist in Bob Dylan’s backing band during Dylan’s mid-1960s electric era.
  • His solo albums included a self-titled 1987 debut and later releases in the 1990s and 2010s.
  • Robertson composed and supervised music for films and collaborated frequently with director Martin Scorsese.
  • He was born in Toronto and had family roots connected to the Mohawk community at Six Nations Reserve.
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Canadian context

Robbie Robertson was born in Toronto and is one of the most prominent Canadian figures in rock music, with major influence on The Band, Canadian music history, and the wider Americana tradition.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Robbie Robertson?
He was a Canadian musician, songwriter, guitarist, composer, and producer, best known for his work with The Band.
What was Robbie Robertson’s birth name?
His birth name was Jaime Royal Robertson.
What is Robbie Robertson best known for?
He is best known as the lead guitarist and principal songwriter of The Band, including songs such as “The Weight” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”
Did Robbie Robertson work with Bob Dylan?
Yes. He played guitar in Dylan’s backing band during Dylan’s mid-1960s electric performances and tours.
When did Robbie Robertson die?
He died on August 9, 2023, in Los Angeles at age 80.
What is Robbie Robertson’s connection to Canada?
He was born in Toronto and is widely regarded as one of Canada’s notable rock musicians.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Robertson
    Supports: Birth name, birth/death dates and places, role in The Band, solo career overview.
  2. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/robbie-robertson-obit-1.6931772
    Supports: Death, age, role as principal songwriter and guitarist, notable songs.
  3. The Band — https://www.theband.hiof.no/band_members/robbie.html
    Supports: Birth details, role as guitarist and songwriter, band membership.
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/09/arts/music/robbie-robertson-dead.html
    Supports: Death, significance, solo career, influence on Americana.
  5. Official Robbie Robertson website — https://www.robbie-robertson.com/
    Supports: Biographical overview, Toronto and Six Nations roots, work with The Band and in film music.