Classic Albums - The Band (1997)

Initially associated with Bob Dylan with whom they toured and recorded, The Band were soon to be acknowledged as a truly seminal band in their own right, truly The Band. Comprised of Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, and Robbie Robertson, The Band were signed to Capitol Records in 1968 and embarked on a recording career that witnessed eight U.S. Top 40 albums, including three million-sellers. The Band's eponymously titled 1969 album reached #9 on the Billboard chart, stayed 24 weeks in the Top 40, and was their second million-seller. It is now regarded as a rock classic, emphasizing their brilliant ability to merge various musical influences, including black, country, rockabilly, and rock 'n' roll music. At the time of the album's release, the US album charts were in the grip of psychedelic rock, yet The Band bucked the musical trends of the day and produced a musical and lyrical take on America, that resonates as strongly today as upon its release over thirty years ago. Band members Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Robbie Robertson, and Garth Hudson, along with the album's co-producer John Simon, give unique insight as to how the album came to be recorded in the former residence of Sammy Davis Jr. in the Hollywood Hills and spawned such timeless recordings as “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Rag Mama Rag,” and “Up On Cripple Creek.” Among the many musical highlights are “I Shall Be Released,” “The Weight,” “Rockin' Chair,” “King Harvest (Has Surely Come),” and “The Unfaithful Servant,” all performed in The Band's very unique and memorable style. The story of The Band and their classic album is told here in vivid words, pictures, and music. Rock legends Eric Clapton and George Harrison, lyricist Bernie Taupin, and musician producer Don Was pay tribute to The Band and give the reasons why this album is at the top of their classic-album list. Film underlines The Band's enormous contribution to popular music history and confirms why, for many music lovers they will always be The Band.

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