Rick Danko (The Band)

On December 10, 1999, just days after the end of a brief tour of the Midwest that included two shows in the Chicago area and a final gig at The Ark in Ann Arbor,Michigan Rick Danko's heart gave out,and he died in his sleep at his home nearWoodstock, New York.


Rick Danko :
Richard Clare Danko, Dec. 29 1943 - Dec. 10 1999.
Lead singer. Instrument: Bass, violin, guitar of The Band
The music will live forever.

Life :
Rick Danko learned music as a young child, became an apprentice butcher at age 14, was a member of an American/Canadian Honky-Tonk Rock’n'Roll band at 17, an international Rock’n'Roll star with “The Band” by age 23, and died at age 56 of a heart attack.

Rick Danko was a kind, fun-loving, goofy man who used a distinctive and flowing style when playing bass (aided in part by his use of a fret-less bass beginning in the mid-70’s) and sang with a pitchy, falsetto voice on many of his lead-vocal tracks with The Band.















Rick Danko, The Last Waltz, 1976




Quotes about Rick Danko :

• "I think Rick was one of the greatest and most soulful singers I've ever heard. Definitely, the most original bass player I've ever heard, and one of the kindest hearts to have ever graced this planet."
  -- Robbie Robertson
  

• "Rick Danko is one of the all-time great writers, musicians and interpreters. The first time I heard Rick, I knew he was something out of the ordinary, a commanding presence both inspiring and healing. Even after thirty years, his soulful, artistic integrity never wavered. Rick Danko was an artist true to himself and to the rest of us."
  --Richie Havens
• "Rick Danko was a special friend. A great singer, unique musician and wonderful soul. His music and charisma had the power to move and inspire. His knowing chuckle could always bring a smile. And though we don't have him with us anymore, we will always be able to hear his voice and feel his spirit."
  --Eric Andersen
  

Rick Danko on lead vocals for The Band :
Two notable songs by the Band that Danko sang lead for included “Stage Fright” and “The Unfaithful Servant.” Both became staples for the group’s live performances, and both are among the best of the music the group recorded.


Authorized Biography : HERE

Rick Danko's Album Discography : HERE

Rick Danko's Photos : HERE

Rick Danko at Wikipedia : HERE

Tribute Site : Rick Danko - His Life, His Music & His Legacy

Tributes Songs :
Drive-By Truckers - Danko/Manuel, The Dirty South (2004)
Steve Forbert - Wild As The Wind, Just Like There's Nothin' To It (2004)
Jonas Fjeld - Rick, Tidevann (2001) http://theband.hiof.no/lyrics/rick.html
Luke Doucet - The Day Rick Danko Died, Blood's Too Rich (2008)
Amy Fradon - Silver Wings, Small Town News (2000)
Blue Horizon - Back To Memphis
David Munyon - Song For Danko, Song For Danko (2006)
Sonny Miller - Danko's Blues (All In All), Jewels Dance Hall (2005)


Audio Clips (Tribute Tracks) :
Drive-By Truckers - Danko/Manuel (2004)
Luke Doucet - The Day Rick Danko Died (2008)


YouTube :
Rick Danko - When You Awake


The Weight - Rick Danko with the Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra (1999)


Stage Fright - Rick Danko, Paul Butterfield and Blondie Chaplin, Madison Square Garden (1979)


David Munyon - Song For Danko (2006)