Many artists have paid tribute to Robbie Robertson, the guitarist and songwriter of The Band, who passed away on Wednesday after a long illness at the age of 80.
Director Martin Scorsese: "Robbie Robertson was one of my closest friends, a constant in my life and my work.
"I could always go to him as a confidante. A collaborator. An advisor. I tried to be the same for him.
"Long before we ever met, his music played a central role in my life — me and millions and millions of other people all over this world. The Band’s music, and Robbie’s own later solo music, seemed to come from the deepest place at the heart of this continent, its traditions and tragedies and joys.
"It goes without saying that he was a giant, that his effect on the art form was profound and lasting.
"There’s never enough time with anyone you love. And I loved Robbie."
Bernie Taupin: "The Band as a unified whole literally changed my life. The passing of Robbie Robertson, like his fellow band mates, is a sad day indeed. He was a masterful songwriter, storyteller and guitarist whose imprint on American music will remain indelible.”
Robertson’s manager of 34 years, Jared Levine, said “Robbie was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, including his wife, Janet, his ex-wife, Dominique, her partner Nicholas, and his children Alexandra, Sebastian, Delphine, and Delphine’s partner Kenny. He is also survived by his grandchildren Angelica, Donovan, Dominic, Gabriel and Seraphina."
He added that "In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Six Nations of the Grand River to support a new Woodland Cultural Center."
[Source: Classic Hits Today]