Robbie Robertson

The lead guitarist who anchored Bob Dylan's backing band starting in August 1965.

Jaime Royal "Robbie" Robertson (July 5, 1943 – August 9, 2023) was a Canadian musician who became the lead guitarist for Bob Dylan's backing band during a pivotal era. Originally part of Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, Robertson joined forces with Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson to form the group that would later become The Band. Their collaboration with Dylan began in 1965 after they were recommended by Mary Martin of Albert Grossman Management. Robertson wrote songs for Hawkins early on, but his partnership with Dylan marked a turning point where he served as the primary guitarist, helping define the sound of rock's electric revolution.

Quick Facts

Birth name

Jaime Royal Robertson

Born

5 July 1943

Birthplace

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Died

9 August 2023

Place of death

Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Occupation

Musician
songwriter
singer
composer

Years active

1956–2023

Children

3, including Sebastian

Lore & Background

Robertson's journey to Dylan began at Tony Mart's nightclub in Somers Point, New Jersey. In August 1965, while the group was finishing their second engagement there, Robertson received a call from Albert Grossman Management for a meeting with Bob Dylan. They had been recommended by Mary Martin, a Toronto native working for Grossman and a friend of the band, though Dylan also knew them through John Hammond's album So Many Roads. Although Levon Helm initially left after audience hostility during early shows at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium and the Hollywood Bowl on September 3, Robertson continued with Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson. They rehearsed in Toronto from September 15–17 without Helm before embarking on the 1966 World Tour as Dylan's backing band.

Reader's Guide

Robertson's role with Bob Dylan was strictly defined by his position as lead guitarist following a recommendation in August 1965. He worked alongside Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson, who had previously toured with Ronnie Hawkins. The group faced significant challenges during the transition to electric performance, including audience hostility that caused Helm to temporarily leave after the September 3 shows at Forest Hills and the Hollywood Bowl. Robertson remained with the other members through rehearsals in Toronto (September 15–17) before they completed the global leg of the tour as Dylan's backing band. This period established them not just as a backing group, but as the core unit that would eventually become The Band.

Did You Know?

Robertson wrote two songs, "Someone Like You" and "Hey Boba Lu," in a single night to impress Ronnie Hawkins before joining his band.
Before joining the Hawks as a bassist, Robertson switched to lead guitar and developed his style by absorbing techniques from Roy Buchanan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Robbie Robertson?

He was a Canadian musician who served as the lead guitarist for Bob Dylan during his pivotal electric tours in the mid-1960s. Originally part of Ronnie Hawkins's group, he joined forces with other members to form The Band before backing Dylan.

What role did Robertson play?

Robertson anchored the rhythm section as the primary electric guitarist during Dylan's controversial 1965 and 1966 world tours. His playing provided a crucial rock edge that supported Dylan's transition from acoustic folk to electric sound.

When did their collaboration begin?

Their professional partnership started in August 1965 after management connections linked the Hawks with Dylan for his upcoming tour dates. This marked the beginning of a pivotal era where Robertson became integral to Dylan's live performances.