Richard “Rick” Danko was a Canadian musician and singer, best known as a member of The Band. He was born in Green’s Corner, a farming community outside of the town of Simcoe, Ontario, to a musical family. Growing up in front of the family radio, he was exposed to country and R&B music at an early age.
At the age of 14, Danko left school to pursue music and at 17, he booked himself as the opening act for Ronnie Hawkins, an American rockabilly singer. Danko impressed Hawkins and he asked him to join his group as the rhythm guitarist. After the band’s bassist was fired, Danko learned to play that musical instrument. Also in Hawkins’ band were future bandmates, drummer Levon Helm, lead guitarist Robbie Robertson, pianist Richard Manuel, and organist Garth Hudson.
Along with Danko, they left Hawkins’ band in 1963 and played a circuit that stretched from Ontario to Arkansas. In 1965, they became Bob Dylan’s backing band at his request. In 1967, they split from Dylan and began recording their own music as The Band, releasing their debut, Music from Big Pink, in 1968. Danko became known for his iconic tenor, his on-top-of-the-melody harmonies, and his percussive, melodic bass-playing style. After The Band’s farewell concert in November 1976, Danko became a solo artist and died on December 10, 1999 in his sleep after his heart gave out.
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