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Richard Clare Danko was born on December 29 1942, in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada.
He grew up listening to music, and in 1960 he left school, and three years later become a member of fellow Canadian Ronnie Hawkins' group, The Hawks. Although Danko first played rhythm guitar, he soon moved to the bass, which was to remain his main instrument of choice in the coming years.
In the mid-sixties the band left Hawkins, and began playing furthur afield, stretching to America at times. In 1965 they were discovered by Bob Dylan, who they backed on his turbulent 1965-66 tour of the UK.
In 1967, Danko started renting a house in Woodstock, New York, which became known as 'Big Pink'.
It was here The Band (previously known as The Hawks) and Dylan frequently played, and it also became the cover and part name of their famous 1968 solo debut, Music From Big Pink, on which Danko played bass, and also took some lead vocals, most notably on the album opener Tears Of Rage.
As the years with The Band progressed, Danko became known for his searing, touching vocals, and wonderfully well-timed bass playing.
The Band split up with their final concert being the huge, guest starring, Last Waltz concert, which was held in The Winterland, in 1976. This later became feature film, known as, of course, The Last Waltz.
After The Band broke up, Rick Danko released some solo albums, beginning with the self titled Rick Danko album in 1977, and ending in 2002 with the album One More Shot, although this record was released posthumously.
Rick Danko died the day after his 56th birthday, on December 30 1999. Looking much unlike his thin bodied healthier youth, by that time Rick had become subject to years of drug abuse, not to mention fatty eating. Despite this, there was an outpouring of grief. Robbie Robertson, chief songwriter of The Band, put it best:
- 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.
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