Robbie Robertson, man behind the sounds of Scorsese movies, dies at 80

Robbie Robertson, the guitarist, songwriter, and singer who propelled the Canadian-American group known as the Band to prominence in the 1970s and collaborated extensively with figures like Bob Dylan and Martin Scorsese, has died at the age of 80.

As per an official statement released by his management, Robertson's demise occurred in Los Angeles, US on Wednesday, August 9, following an extended period of illness. In a heartfelt statement, Jared Levine, Robertson's manager of over three decades, conveyed that at the time of his passing, Robbie was surrounded by his loved ones

• In memory of Robbie Robertson, the family has expressed a wish for donations to be directed towards the Six Nations of the Grand River, with the intention of supporting a new Woodland Cultural Center.

An early passion for music

• Born on July 5, 1943, in Toronto, Robertson displayed a passion for music from an early age.
• He found his calling when he joined the rock group The Hawks, later known as The Band.
• With his distinctive songwriting style, Robertson played a pivotal role in shaping the group's sound, which seamlessly blended rock, folk, and Americana influences.

• Their hits like The Weight and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down showcased Robertson's storytelling prowess and his ability to craft narrative-driven songs.

However, Robertson's impact extended beyond music.

The Robertson-Scorsese saga

His partnership with Martin Scorsese began in the late 1970s, when he was invited to score The Last Waltz, a concert documentary capturing the Band's farewell performance.

• This collaboration marked the beginning of a creative alliance that would flourish over several films, each showcasing Robertson's keen musical sensibilities and Scorsese's cinematic brilliance.

Robertson's ongoing partnership with Martin Scorsese exemplifies the power of music to elevate cinematic narratives.

• Whether it's through period-appropriate song selections, original compositions, or a combination of both, Robertson's ability to enhance the emotional resonance of a film remains a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of music and film.
• One of the earliest collaborations was with Raging Bull (1980). Robertson's expertise in selecting period-appropriate music and his skill in integrating it with the film's emotional arc played a crucial role in enhancing the movie's atmosphere.
• The use of Frankie Valli's Can't Take My Eyes Off You during a pivotal scene is a testament to Robertson's ability to elevate storytelling through music.

Another milestone in their partnership was The Color of Money (1986), where Robertson's soundtrack captured the energy and excitement of the pool hall setting.

However, perhaps the most enduring and widely acclaimed collaboration between Robertson and Scorsese was The Departed (2006). Robertson's curation of an eclectic soundtrack contributed to the film's tension and grit.

• His choice of songs, such as Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones, as well as I'm Shipping Up To Boston by Dropkick Murphy expertly complemented the movie's dark themes and intense moments.

Robertson's collaborative journey with Martin Scorsese extended to more recent projects, including The Irishman (2019) and the upcoming Killers of the Flower Moon.

In The Irishman, Robertson's musical contributions once again showcased his knack for selecting songs that seamlessly transported audiences to the film's era.

• The soundtrack featured tracks from the 1950s and '60s, mirroring the film's time span, and capturing the changing cultural landscape of those decades.

All ears on Killers of the Flower Moon

Looking ahead, the anticipation is high for their collaboration on Killers of the Flower Moon, an upcoming film set in the early 20th century that delves into a series of murders in the Osage Nation, based on David Grann's non-fiction book. 

When Robertson did what turned out to be his last interview in late July with Variety, he spoke enthusiastically about his work on Flower Moon, even though he acknowledged he was in weak health at the time of the conversation.

Robbie Robertson's legacy is deeply intertwined with Martin Scorsese's filmography. Their partnership transcended the traditional boundaries of music and film, creating a symbiotic relationship where Robertson's compositions became an integral part of the storytelling process. 

The passing of Robertson marks the end of an era for music and film enthusiasts alike. His contributions to the world of music, coupled with his collaborative efforts in film, have left an enduring legacy that spans across decades and genres.