OTD The Band Release Their Self-Titled Album, Influence Clapton
Today, 9/22 in ’69, The Band released their self titled album, which was their second record. Find out what famous house it was recorded in & how The Band’s final show ended up getting Robbie Robertson involved in some pretty big movies.
The Band’s first record was recorded at the legendary Big Pink House. Their second album was recorded in California at a house that was once owned by Judy Garland. The home was actually owned by Sammy Davis, Jr. at the time the band recorded it. They did many of the recordings in the bottom of the home’s pool to give the album a clubhouse vibe.
The album produced some legendary tunes like ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’ ‘Up On Cripple Creek’ and ‘Rag Mama Rag’.
One of The Band’s most popular recordings was their ‘Last Waltz’ concert. Martin Scorcese filmed their starstudded farewell show. After working with Scorcese, Robbie Robertson of The Band became friends with him. Robbie and Martin lived together for a bit and Robbie created songs or served as a music consultant for Scorcese films lik The Color Of Money, Gangs of New York, The Departed, Raging Bull and Shutter Island.
The Band were a big influence on Eric Clapton. The Band’s ‘Music From Big Pink’ album shaped Clapton’s musical tastes. When he formed Blind Faith, he was looking to focus on making music with fewer extended solos. Clapton even had members of The Band play on his own albums, ‘No Reason To Cry’ (1976) and ‘August’ (1986).
Here’s a great track from ‘The Last Waltz’
