This holiday season, we’re diving into The Band’s heartfelt Christmas track, Christmas Must Be Tonight. Written during their Northern Lights – Southern Cross sessions, the song blends timeless storytelling, soulful harmonies, and a fresh take on the Nativity. I explore its origins, musical brilliance, and why it’s a hidden gem that deserves a place on your Christmas playlist.
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8:53
Tears of Rage with Jerry Leger
A Song With... returns featuring my friend and one of Canada's best songwriters, Jerry Leger. Jerry selected "Tears of Rage" from The Band's first album, Music From Big Pink. We delve into the song's significance, the songwriting collaboration between Richard Manuel and Bob Dylan and the various track versions.
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59:44
Robbie Robertson (Album)
In this episode of The Band: A History, we explore Robbie Robertson's journey into crafting his debut solo album, influenced by his vision of "The Shadowland." After focusing on film scoring, Robertson returned to music in the mid-1980s, collaborating with key figures like producer Daniel Lanois to create an atmospheric, cinematic sound. We dive into the making of the album, Robertson’s strategic decisions, and partnerships with renowned musicians and producers.
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1:02:59
Interview: Stephen Lewis
We're thrilled to welcome author Stephen Lewis to The Band: A History as we dive into his upcoming book, Richard Manuel: His Life and Music, from the Hawks and Bob Dylan to The Band, which will be released in May 2025.
In this episode, Stephen shares his journey in writing the book, his deep connection to The Band, and some never-before-heard stories about Richard Manuel. This is an episode you won't want to miss! You can pre-order the book now through the publisher's website or major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
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1:21:35
Woodstock '79
By the end of the 1970s, Rick Danko found himself in an unexpected place. After the release of his first solo album on Arista Records didn’t sell well, and with management in flux, Arista dropped him.
Despite this, Danko continued to tour, collaborate, and perform in smaller, more intimate venues, showcasing his character and musicianship. Collaborations with former Beach Boy Blondie Chaplin, Richard Manuel, Paul Butterfield, and even actor Gary Busey highlighted his versatility. Woodstock ‘79, a smaller and less impactful event than the original, featured Danko performing with Butterfield.
This era also saw Danko contributing to Joe Cocker’s chaotic version of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and Larry Lee’s album “Marooned.” This period of triumph and tribulation is a testament to Danko’s enduring spirit and love for music.
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