The Band

Canada, 1965–1976

Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm's Canadian-American group. Music from Big Pink (1968) reinterpreted the American folk tradition.

MusicRoots documents 6 artists who influenced The Band and 3 artists The Band influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced The Band?

• Howlin' Wolf — Robertson's guitar came out of Hubert Sumlin's playing on Howlin' Wolf's records, bought in Memphis at sixteen on his way to the Delta with Ronnie Hawkins.
• Sonny Boy Williamson II — The Hawks learned the blues on the bandstand behind Sonny Boy Williamson II before they were The Band.
• Bob Dylan — The Band grew directly from Dylan's touring Hawks — a documented founding relationship.
• Hank Williams — The country half of The Band's blend came in through Levon Helm, raised on Grand Ole Opry broadcasts in the Arkansas Delta.
• Sister Rosetta Tharpe — One of Levon Helm's named influences, alongside Howlin' Wolf and Hank Williams.
• Marvin Gaye — One of Levon Helm's named influences — the R&B he heard on WLAC.

Which artists did The Band influence?

• Elton John — The Band's Americana was a documented influence on Elton and Taupin's rootsy early records (Tumbleweed Connection).
• Counting Crows — The Band's rootsy Americana feeds Counting Crows' warm, organic songwriting.
• Little Feat — The Band's rootsy, ensemble Americana is a clear kin to Little Feat's blend of blues, country and funk.