tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11631534966276382292012-02-16T19:20:28.193-05:00His Life, His Music & His LegacyCarol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.comBlogger2021100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-16932625890905970732011-12-29T10:49:00.001-05:002011-12-29T10:51:19.435-05:00

Bless you, sweet Rick, on what would have been your 68th birthday. You are always loved, never forgotten, and no matter how many years pass, you'll always be Forever Young.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-40252953483751700302010-12-29T10:48:00.001-05:002011-12-29T21:00:38.676-05:00

On the Day Rick Danko Was Born, the Angels Sang.Rick Sang Harmony. Remembering Rick Today on His 67th Birthday...Forever Young, Forever Loved.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-42923573553739895052010-12-10T16:45:00.002-05:002010-12-10T19:56:30.712-05:00

@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } I rarely write “drafts.” I write from my heart and, except for some minor grammatical tweaking, or maybe deleting a graf

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-66923226539978296892010-08-02T12:53:00.002-04:002010-08-02T13:00:32.804-04:00

When I first met The Band, I was blown away by how real and down to earth they were and how much they were like the “image” I’d had in my mind. They all seemed to be very much the way they’d come off in The Last Waltz—times ten. There was Rick—gorgeous, hyper, sweet, friendly, flirtatious, affectionate, smelling like leather and tobacco, bouncing around with an ear-to-ear grin, all over the place

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-77255875825425333702010-07-05T18:36:00.000-04:002010-07-05T18:36:15.119-04:00

Happy 67th Birthday to Robbie Robertson. Photo (c) 1972 by Joseph Sia

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-91491553656022188172010-05-26T15:37:00.002-04:002010-05-26T15:58:53.177-04:00

A very happy birthday to Levon Helm, who turns 70 today. I remember when he turned 50, and I was excited that he was still going strong "at his age."  Twenty years later, he's still going...stronger than ever. Here's to many more happy, healthy years. (Photo by Carol Caffin, Hampton, VA, 9/8/90)

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-10518962672474749762010-05-12T22:43:00.001-04:002010-05-12T22:45:22.400-04:00

I don't know who Ben Hauser is, but he has created a fresh, unique, and obviously loving homage to Rick called Getting to Know Rick Danko (Through Notebook Doodles). It's one of the more interesting tributes I've seen--heart-warming, heart-rending, and factually accurate, too. The creator is obviously a major fan who "gets it." But what I find most admirable (aside from Hauser's talent and

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-31974126124353723572010-04-27T23:19:00.003-04:002010-05-04T22:33:42.323-04:00

Among Rick's many interesting--and fascinating--qualities was his genuinely blithe yet enigmatic nature. It always struck me as uncanny that he could seamlessly--and compellingly--converse with artists and poets and intellectuals without ever pretending (or even wanting) to be part of their scene--or any scene, for that matter. I saw him engage amateur musicians in spontaneous jams so that, by

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-53718750802984171532010-03-15T21:28:00.005-04:002010-04-16T13:03:10.126-04:00

Recently, audio of a live 1964 performance by Levon and the Hawks recorded in Port Dover, Ontario (a stone's throw from Rick's home in Simcoe) surfaced on YouTube. One of the songs is a rendition of "Twist and Shout" featuring a raucous vocal by a 20-year-old Rick Danko. Cooler even than the vocal (which is pretty cool) is one of the accompanying listener/viewer comments: "So Danko has been a

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-42475985779704888782010-03-15T00:10:00.003-04:002010-04-16T13:04:46.673-04:00

In October 1993, about a month after the release of Danko Fjeld Andersen (Rykodisc), Eric and Jonas, who were then both living in Norway, came to the States to join Rick for a short tour in support of the album. The tour kicked off on October 12 at the Bottom Line in New York City where DFA played to a very appreciative audience that included lots of media--including writers from Rolling Stone,

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-56744544790856417042010-03-13T00:53:00.003-05:002010-04-16T13:05:31.225-04:00

I slept with Rick Danko. No, I mean slept. Like eyes closed, out cold, dead to the world, possibly (I can only hope not) even snoring. It was the second time I'd ever met him, and here I was, all alone with my hero--sleeping. Now normally, that would have been dreadfully embarrassing and humiliating, but the thing is, he didn't know I was sleeping, because he was sleeping, too. And, I might add

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-71491791665471231672010-03-10T22:37:00.005-05:002010-04-16T13:06:17.815-04:00

Rick's brother Terry sent me these pics today and I asked him if I could share them with you. This is Terry’s youngest son, Drew, playing—what else?—a Gibson Ripper. If the bass looks familiar, here’s why: “It’s the one I used for many years in California,” says Terry, who toured with Rick in the late 70s and was a regular fixture at The Band’s famed Shangri-La Studios. “Before that, Rick used

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-67102537970863671902010-03-09T23:03:00.005-05:002010-04-16T13:07:04.586-04:00

As I've written here before, The Band and their music were influential not just to other musicians, but to artists of all types--poets, writers, sculptors, and painter. Of course, there have been scores of artistically uninspired though commercially successful likenesses of mainstream superstar names-from kitschy black-velvet Elvises to psychedelic day-glo likenesses of Janis, Jim, and Jimi--but

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-29265217163562294982010-02-26T20:11:00.000-05:002010-02-26T20:11:42.700-05:00

Rick supported a number of causes and headlined and performed in many, many benefits throughout his career--from the SNACK concert in the mid-70s with Bob Dylan and Neil Young, to benefits for numerous charities, organizations, and causes, large and small, from Family of Woodstock to the Autism Society of America to Greenpeace. In 1989 or 90, Rick met a very interesting, talented, and rather

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-25679163878701818392010-02-25T22:27:00.003-05:002010-02-25T22:43:01.340-05:00

This is an original press kit folder from The Band's 1993 release, Jericho. Though I no longer have any complete Jericho press kits, I found this folder, which is currently holding some miscellaneous faxes and correspondence to Rick, and thought you guys might like to see it. This was from the Canadian press kit, and was used for promotion in Canada by EMI. Rick gave it to me when he got back

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-6916034559406240382010-02-21T13:59:00.003-05:002010-02-21T20:48:19.795-05:00

...to all of Rick's fans for the many wonderful comments--and just for being here. I've been away for a few days, but am so happy that more and more fans are finding this site and I love hearing all your comments and stories and memories about Rick and about how you discovered him and his music. There will be more information, stories, photos, and interviews coming soon, so please keep checking

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-14966804950687264022010-02-16T12:02:00.002-05:002010-02-16T18:28:16.267-05:00

More GORGEOUS previously unpublished photos from our friend Watt Casey, Jr., who is cleaning up some scans from '74 and '76. The '76 scans include color photos. Here's a preview...

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-52235575118136438722010-02-04T10:26:00.003-05:002010-02-04T21:52:13.293-05:00

R ick Danko was not terribly comfortable tooting his own horn. When accolades were given, he'd humbly shift the attention to another artist, or refocus the conversation on "the music;" when monikers like "legend" began to be bestowed upon him, he'd graciously acquiesce. This was not false modesty, he wasn't being coy; he knew he was talented and he knew The Band was a seminal, influential group.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-86218121183913003472010-02-01T09:27:00.006-05:002010-02-01T09:42:58.870-05:00

Congratulations and love to Levon Helm on his second Grammy win, this time for Best Americana Album for Electric Dirt.   It's hard to believe that Americana is a new Grammy category, but it's nice to know that the industry finally realizes that, without The Band, the Americana genre as we know it wouldn't exist. 

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-52541990834344072192010-01-27T21:51:00.012-05:002010-01-27T23:43:52.980-05:00

I really try hard not to get too hokey or overly sentimental on this site and, despite my best efforts, sometimes I fail. All I can say is that it's all out of love for Rick, and sometimes it's difficult to rein in that much love, even when just stating the facts.Rick was loved by many. And many of the readers of this site knew Rick; some were friends, some even family. Many more got the

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-1651231809132008172010-01-25T22:50:00.012-05:002010-01-25T23:52:22.079-05:00

Photographer Watt Casey, Jr., who recently sent me some beautiful pics of Rick and The Band from a 1974 gig with Eric Clapton (posted here) sent some even more beautiful photos--these in black & white--of The Band--with some especially nice shots of Rick.These photos were taken outside Austin at Sunday Break II on September 5, 1976--just two-and-a-half months before The Last Waltz. It was a very

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-86682385945127616822010-01-21T10:14:00.004-05:002010-01-22T15:52:35.045-05:00

I am sad to have learned that Rick’s oldest brother, Maurice Danko, Jr., known to family and friends as “Junior,” passed away on Tuesday (January 19) at the age of 69.Having been predeceased by his mother, Leola and his father, Maurice, Sr. (“Tom”), Junior had been the patriarch of the Danko family for many years. Though Junior, born in 1940, was less than four years older than Rick, he had an

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-62646100558306872862010-01-20T21:56:00.007-05:002010-01-22T16:12:58.843-05:00

At the time I met Rick in 1990, there was precious little of any real substance written about The Band, other than a few good (but dated and/or limited in scope) 60s and 70s rock-critic-portfolio clips, an offbeat anecdote here, or a live performance review there. Then, of course, there was Greil Marcus's Roman a clef Band chapter, "Pilgrims Progress," from his much-lauded tome, Mystery Train,

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-36778426821622952722010-01-19T00:03:00.012-05:002010-01-19T00:55:28.393-05:00

There've been a couple of futile--and disingenuous, in my opinion--attempts at "tribute songs" for Rick. Steve Forbert's "Wild As the Wind" comes to mind, as does Luke Doucet's "The Day Rick Danko Died," which was, frankly, less of a tribute and more of an exploitation. There also have been some lovely songs, which I've written about on this site.But of all the tributes to Rick, one of the most--

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-72102723765141566902010-01-16T23:56:00.012-05:002010-01-17T20:27:52.083-05:00

These photos of Rick were taken by photographer Watt Casey, Jr., in July, 1974 at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, when The Band opened for Eric Clapton on the East Coast leg of his summer tour. The cast on his arm didn't seem to bother Rick a bit.The photos are some of the best stage shots, specifically of Rick, that I've seen, and the candids--of him walking with Eric Clapton and

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-9209202382987038622010-01-14T17:41:00.010-05:002010-01-14T17:58:01.285-05:00

Is it a simply a heartrending coincidence or sad synchronicity that today, January 14, is a day of significance for two fine New Orleans-based musicians, both of whom were associated with The Band?The great Bobby Charles, who would have been 72 next month, died today in Abbeville, near New Orleans, where he was also born. Though Mr. Charles was popularly known for penning “See You Later Alligator

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-48905774611378770112010-01-08T22:07:00.005-05:002010-01-08T23:03:23.459-05:00

I've always found it interesting that The Band was--and is--referred to as a "rock group." Actually, I haven't always found it interesting--I sometimes catch myself referring to them that way, even now. Old habits die hard, but the truth is, The Band was not a rock group. And Rick Danko was not a rock artist.The Band was much more complex, subtle--and pure--than rock and roll. And though, when I

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-41624937964130269862009-12-29T10:58:00.005-05:002009-12-29T11:14:43.667-05:00

Thinking of Rick and missing him today, as always, on what would have been his 66th birthday. He'd still be childlike and full of laughter and energy, madness and mayhem--I just know it.Light a candle or play a song--or be late for an appointment--in memory of Rick today.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-1079783165082706492009-12-10T01:28:00.018-05:002009-12-11T22:21:13.347-05:00

Ten years ago, on the morning of December 10, 1999, I struggled through tears to write the official press release announcing the death of Rick Danko. In between fielding calls asking for confirmation--even before the news was officially on the wire--I listened to the few voicemails of Rick's that were still on my phone, trying to convince myself that if his voice was here, he was still here.With

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-29074866463191235142009-12-10T00:12:00.002-05:002009-12-10T00:15:11.431-05:00

If you've checked in for the something special that was promised, please check back within the next hour or two. We're running a little late and do apologize, but it is coming...remember, we're operating on Danko Standard Time here.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-62538711493214112692009-11-22T12:35:00.009-05:002009-11-22T21:52:54.081-05:00

This is Rick as seen through the lens of rock photographer Stephanie Chernikowski. Leave it to a woman to capture--in one sitting--three of Rick's characteristics:shyness, vulnerability, and...

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-25475146993571727712009-11-21T17:33:00.006-05:002009-11-21T17:42:10.129-05:00

Rick as seen through the eyes of Japanese artist/illustrator Yu-Shio. Note the ever-present smile.To see more of Yu-Shio's wonderful rock & roll illustrations, check out his site, Everyday Rock, at the following link: http://www.netpro.ne.jp/~yu-shio/everydayrock/

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-50559422494178652402009-11-19T12:33:00.012-05:002009-11-22T21:54:18.085-05:00

This quote from Rick, which some of you may already be familiar with, appears in the current issue of the New Jersey-based rock rag, The Aquarian Weekly: Back when The Band was doing their thing in Woodstock out at Big Pink, Rick Danko was once quoted as saying, "When people were stacking up Marshall amps and blowing out their ear drums, The Band was down in the basement at Big Pink trying to get

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-85450110843210491122009-11-17T11:44:00.007-05:002009-11-17T12:22:35.522-05:00

Hey guys—got a minute? There’s something I want to share with you. As I’ve written before, from the day I met Rick two decades ago, it was my desire to help him. “Help” is a vague word, I know, but it’s the only word that fits. And “help” has gone through many incarnations over the past 20 years, taking on different meanings at different times. The feeling has yet to subside. The sad reality,

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-7274031564246807762009-10-24T19:30:00.008-04:002009-11-22T20:21:27.276-05:00

Many Band fans are familiar with the name Professor Louie & the Crowmatix, but not all fans are familiar with the group's authentic and original blend of roots, rock, country, and blues. If you haven't heard the music of Professor Louie & the Crowmatix, now is a great time to check it out.The group's seventh studio album, whose title song is a beautiful rendition of (and touching homage to) The

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-76544628964030192002009-10-19T18:35:00.006-04:002009-10-19T22:15:41.235-04:00

Yesterday, I wrote about a wonderful and unique collection of jewelry by artist and jewelry designer Jenna Wainwright and, since I've received a number of queries about the jewelry and about what exactly prompted Jenna to create the pieces, I decided to follow up with her.One of the questions was "Why is there no 'Richard necklace'?" In the link I provided yesterday, only four of the five Band

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-23018972235914004402009-10-18T14:31:00.009-04:002009-10-18T16:22:05.024-04:00

There's something about The Band, something that goes beyond their talent and charisma, that inspires artists in all media. More than many other more "famous" artists, The Band has served as muse to other musicians, visual artists, crafters, writers, designers, and more.Of course, The Band has always been hugely influential in the music world, and lots of songs have been written about the group--

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-55725566757323054642009-10-03T16:31:00.007-04:002009-10-03T16:51:27.595-04:00

This is a short interview that Rick did in August, 1999, with the Middletown, New York paper, The Times Herald Record, just as we were starting promotion for Live On Breeze Hill, which was released the following month. Aside from the fact that the writer leads in with a thinly vieled copy of Rick's media bio, the interview itself is kind of cool in that the writer caught him "in the moment," so,

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-8816218131417614592009-09-25T13:42:00.006-04:002009-09-25T14:16:44.894-04:00

Photographically speaking, this is not a particularly good picture. But I love it for many reasons. I didn't take a lot of photos at Woodstock '94. There was just too much happening and I was trying to soak it all in (which I did, literally, as it rained quite a bit). But I did manage to take a few. This is one of my favorites. Rick is walking up to the massive stage, in his "comfortable clothes

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-88172270679931129712009-09-24T15:47:00.004-04:002009-09-24T18:23:48.013-04:00

This item appeared today in a blog post by Baltimore Sun reporter Sam Sessa. The post is about music that "makes you cry," and Sessa describes Rick's "tortured vocals" as "brilliant." Though I prefer to think of his vocals as "wounded"--or vulnerable, trembling, or quivering--I agree with the gist of the description--especially the "brilliant" part. I love it that people--critics and fans alike

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-61099357464231376762009-09-22T19:26:00.005-04:002009-09-22T19:55:27.573-04:00

In August, 1991, Rick performed at an outdoor venue in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, not far from Philly, as part of what was billed as a "classic rock series." Other artists who performed in the series included Maria Muldaur--who was fabulous--and John Sebastian. Unfortunately, the "stage" was not equipped for a band, and the acoustics were non-existent. The publicist for the venue was obviously

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-57348625665430012962009-09-15T13:27:00.005-04:002009-09-15T14:02:09.838-04:00

Most Band fans, by now, are familiar with The "The Band" Band, a cool ensemble of talented musicians (and really nice guys) who perform the songs of The Band live in venues in the Northeast.Long before he co-founded The "The Band" Band as a living, breathing, musical homage to The Band, singer and bass player Gary Solomon was both a Woodstock-area musician and a huge fan of the group. In fact, as

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-65644508091258465262009-09-07T14:17:00.003-04:002009-09-07T14:34:47.427-04:00

Images of Rick in the interim period between the end of his tenure with Ronnie Hawkins and The Band's Big Pink era are few and far between. This is one of my favorite pictures of Rick, c. 1965, with Bob Dylan, Bobby Neuwirth, David Blue, and others at Ondine's in New York City--the happening club at the time, and a favorite hangout of Warhol's Factory crowd. That's Rick in the foreground,

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-13979095998234546702009-09-03T23:01:00.004-04:002009-09-03T23:44:50.904-04:00

Lots of rock stars--The Beatles, The Stones, Eric Clapton--have tales of growing up in modest conditions and ultimately achieving fame and fortune. But Rick's story is literally a rags-to-riches one. Rick was born to loving, hard-working parents, the third of four sons in a close-knit family, and his first home near Simcoe, Ontario, was an extremely humble abode that wasn't even equipped with

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-56194448485740685252009-08-20T21:52:00.006-04:002009-08-20T23:10:41.994-04:00

A beautiful, very rare 1958 Dual-Ghia convertable (see it here: http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/photo/389109,15251/photo.aspx)purchased, I'm told, by Rick circa 1970 and registered to his then-wife, Grace (nee Seldner), recently sold at auction for $209,000.The Dual-Ghia (not to be confused with the popular Karmann-Ghia), produced between 1956 and 1958, was favored by members of the Rat Pack,

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-3007993658185702142009-08-11T11:24:00.005-04:002009-09-07T14:56:03.789-04:00

Heartfelt condolences to Robbie Robertson and his family on the recent passing of his mother, Rosemarie Robertson, who died on August 3. Mrs. Robertson, who was adored by her family and held in high regard by Robbie's Band-mates (who affectionately called her "Mama Kosh" back in the early days of the Hawks), was born in 1922 on the Six Nations Indian Reservation in Ontario.So sorry for your loss.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-8826071046147934362009-08-09T21:58:00.006-04:002009-08-09T23:28:09.200-04:00

All the hoopla surrounding the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock festival is bittersweet in many ways. I've recently found myself avoiding it at every turn. Haven't read the interviews with the founders, the articles flooding the newspapers and the web. Have changed the station when anything comes on TV or radio about it. Turned down the few press invites to both the media event(s) and the "

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-83035346819275952202009-08-06T19:02:00.005-04:002009-08-06T19:24:58.851-04:00

Heartfelt condolences to the family of Ezra Titus who passed away in Tampa, Florida, on July 30. Ezra, a talented, passionate writer, was the son of Libby Titus Fagen, the stepson of musician Donald Fagen, and the brother of Amy Helm Collins (the daughter of Levon Helm and Libby Titus Fagen).Ezra, who was 43, wrote fairly recently that he considered both Donald Fagen and Levon Helm, whom his

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-85852353869332745202009-08-02T17:24:00.003-04:002009-08-02T17:31:33.301-04:00

Happy 72nd Birthday and lots of love to Garth Hudson.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-28033102737831428082009-07-23T12:56:00.002-04:002009-07-23T12:59:12.801-04:00

Over the course of his career, Rick had a number of managers and agents. Some of them were good, some of them were bad. Some were honest, some were shysters. Some (precious few) had Rick’s best interests at heart, some had their own best interests at heart. I will reserve both judgment and comment here, save to say that, except for a very small core group of people whom I got to know over the

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-40262919918030783732009-07-14T13:02:00.006-04:002009-07-14T13:30:15.284-04:00

Band fans, Dylan fans, Woodstock fans, and rock fans are familiar with the iconic photographs of Elliott Landy, who had not just the talent and the vision, but the good fortune of being in the right place at the right time--in the eye of the musical hurricane that was Woodstock, the town; Woodstock, the festival; and Woodstock, the generation, as it happened, in 1968 and 1969.To commemorate the

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-70749973965963034872009-07-05T12:42:00.005-04:002009-07-05T12:55:20.935-04:00

Happy Birthday to Robbie Robertson--66 years young today.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-24726739346154322502009-07-02T17:40:00.009-04:002009-07-02T18:26:26.152-04:00

The Last Waltz wasn't Rick Danko's only foray onto the silver screen. A decade after TLW, Rick made his real acting debut as Jim Riggs, the father of a kidnapped boy who is at the heart of the story, in Man Outside. The film features Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, and Richard Manuel--plus a cameo by one-time Band associate Bob Illjes, who also worked as Rick's manager for a few months in the early 90s

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-67902519228915015362009-07-02T10:59:00.005-04:002009-07-02T18:32:55.290-04:00

Fans of Danko Fjeld Andersen should check out (and join!) the wonderful DFA Facebook Group started by Jaynie Vermac. There you will find tons of information, links, press releases, and photos related to Rick and his work with DFA, or as he liked to call the trio, "a Damned Fine Act." Here's the link: DFA Facebook Group

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-34811592580226494912009-06-30T23:04:00.007-04:002009-07-01T17:48:42.936-04:00

About a year or so ago, Eric Andersen sent me a draft of his then unpublished essay, "Danger Zone," which he told me was going to be part of an upcoming collection of essays by various esteemed writers, scholars, musicians, and artists titled Naked Lunch@50: Anniversary Essays (Southern Illinois University Press), an homage to one of his literary heroes, William Burroughs, one of the pioneers of

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-76051333570973457472009-06-25T16:24:00.003-04:002009-06-25T16:33:56.063-04:00

I thought Rick's fans would like to know that, in the one year since I launched this blog in June, 2008, it has had logged nearly 70,000 page loads and nearly 50,000 unique visitors. Considering the fact that this is a site dedicated to one individual--captivating and charismatic though he may be--and that it has no commercial ads, I think that is pretty amazing.  I hope you guys are happy to

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-4280761242235443842009-06-15T14:28:00.006-04:002009-06-15T15:31:19.461-04:00

The people who read and follow this blog (there are many followers; I’ve opted to keep their identities private) represent a real cross-section of both music fans and Danko Fans. There are “regulars” from all over the globe, from Woodstock to Timbuktu, as well as more and more first-time visitors every day. Because there is such a large and varied group of visitors, it is often hard to gauge what

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-64118329473982336712009-05-26T18:43:00.005-04:002009-05-26T23:58:26.711-04:00

Happy birthday to Levon Helm, one of the greatest voices and the greatest drummer in rock--or any genre, for that matter. Sixty-nine years young, 69 years cool.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-19280533108539080062009-05-23T15:16:00.009-04:002009-05-23T17:14:09.388-04:00

In the many years I worked as a publicist, I always found demographics interesting--and important. Before the days of instantaneous data collection, I used a variety of resources to collect DMA (designated market area) and ADI (area of dominant influence) data, not just for publications and other media outlets, but for the artists, musicians, labels, and companies I worked with, too. This is

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-53170316627912265502009-05-20T21:49:00.004-04:002009-05-20T22:05:46.249-04:00

TalkBass.com is a 10-year-old Internet forum for and about anything and everything to do with bass playing and bass players. Rick has been mentioned on the forum from time to time, and it's interesting to read comments about him from the point of view of bass players and bass fans--those who may not necessarily be die-hard fans, but who may have an appreciation for his style and technique. Today

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-15807172049758229532009-05-17T20:56:00.010-04:002009-05-18T00:06:14.708-04:00

One night in September of 1993, I headed up to Woodstock to spend some time with Rick, go over the next batch of interviews and shows, and visit a friend of mine who lived nearby, off of Rock City Road.This friend--I'll call him John--an art dealer-cum-small-press publisher, was a huge fan of Rick's who'd been introduced to Rick by Eric Andersen. I remember the night he first met Rick. It was at

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-80344751331198737012009-05-15T13:09:00.005-04:002009-05-15T19:21:32.525-04:00

In the summer and fall of 1993, I was in Woodstock all the time. Rick was busy "multitasking"—working on his own, with The Band, with DFA, touring, promoting two albums, doing lots of TV and radio—and that’s when he was happiest. And I had the sometimes daunting and often adventurous task of trying to help him manage it all, stay coordinated, and keep things running smoothly.I remember that time,

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-39787752598526791542009-05-07T10:35:00.002-04:002009-05-07T19:01:45.620-04:00

I always admired Rick’s uncanny ability to navigate situations from the sublime to the ridiculous, from the mundane to the surreal, sometimes within the same day, often within a period of hours, without missing a beat. Stopping at Cumberland Farms for a pack of cigarettes; playing with Dylan, Clapton, Van; eating a cheeseburger (or two) at a rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike—all of these

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-31730979264269438532009-04-30T21:06:00.010-04:002009-05-01T12:34:07.300-04:00

Ihave a dread fear of BUI (Blogging Under the Influence), and by "influence," I don't mean chemical substances, as the strongest chemical in my system is generally the caffeine from my morning coffee.By BUI, I mean blogging under the influence--of emotions. I'm a passionate, emotional person by nature and, usually, when I'm thinking of writing--particularly blogging--about an emotionally charged

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-58661822725431270562009-04-12T14:21:00.004-04:002009-04-12T23:20:28.201-04:00

Gary Solomon is a singer, bass player, and longtime fan of Rick and The Band. He and his mates in The THE BAND Band pay homage to The Band for full houses in clubs in the Northeast.Several months ago, Gary sent me a lovely email about his love and respect for The Band and his great appreciation for Rick as a singer and bass player. We kept in touch and I welcomed Gary to share his thoughts with

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-27759983675636818672009-04-07T14:06:00.006-04:002009-04-07T14:34:55.423-04:00

Kokoon Arts Gallery, located in Cleveland, Ohio, and operated by longtime Band associate Bill Scheele, will present an exhibition of photographs, prints, and memorabilia documenting Scheele's music business experience from 1969 through 1976.During this heady era, Scheele worked with The Band and was closely associated not just with the group, but with Bob Dylan and other musicians of the time.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-66389401404627691332009-04-01T10:45:00.004-04:002009-04-01T22:45:59.785-04:00

Anyone who knows anything about Rick knows that the phrase “typical Rick Danko” is an oxymoron. There was nothing typical about Rick.Still, there are songs and parts of songs that are, in one way or another, quintessential Rick. For many fans, quintessential Rick is “It Makes No Difference” or “Stage Fright” or the “Crazy Chester” verse from “The Weight.”For me, there are many, and they change

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-44706187942148831302009-03-30T13:52:00.005-04:002009-03-30T17:47:06.911-04:00

Kudos to Sebastian Robertston, Robbie's son, for helping to bring a sense of harmony, unity, and all-around good vibes to The Band community.For years, for myriad reasons, real and imagined, significant and incidental, there has been some dissension and discord among Band fans. What was once a big, loving group has become smaller groups of splintered factions.Sebastian has taken a positive step

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-56298635487259663962009-03-25T20:03:00.006-04:002009-03-25T21:47:08.602-04:00

I was thinking about Rick today, as I often do, about how he never seemed to be in one place very long--not in one country, one city, even one room. How he couldn't be still, physically or mentally. How, even watching performers in silhouette, or from afar, you could tell which one was Rick because he was the one who was moving when the others weren't. How I would have paid big money to see him

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-47452650048741316782009-03-04T20:19:00.003-05:002009-03-04T23:18:12.427-05:00

Remembering Richard Manuel today on the 23rd anniversary of his passing and thinking about his family and all who love him.Time may not heal, but music does--and Richard left lots of beautiful music. God bless him. Like Rick, he will stay forever young.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-55158599024024187742009-02-23T09:44:00.003-05:002009-02-23T21:36:24.052-05:00

Thanks to Jan Hoiberg, who’s always on the ball, particularly where The Band is concerned, for letting me know about a song that I missed in my previous article, Rick Danko in Song.I have to admit, I was not familiar with the tribute, “You Made a Difference” by Norwegian-American singer/songwriter Martin Hagfors and his band, Home Groan. “He first published the song by posting a link to it in The

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-42158106991019936282009-02-21T23:21:00.007-05:002009-02-21T23:53:53.252-05:00

These photos were used for publicity and promotion by The Band in 1991, after the death of the great Stan Szelest, a former Hawk whose playing style greatly influenced Rick's approach to bass playing. Though Stan's tenure with The Band was brief--beginning in 1990 and ending unexpectedly when he died of a heart attack in January, 1991--he was an asset to the group, adding a bluesiness and a

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-71423304728319788392009-02-20T22:47:00.002-05:002009-02-20T22:53:29.056-05:00

This is an original fax which I'd sent to the radio program E-Town with last-minute arrangements/details for Rick's appearance as part of Danko Fjeld Andersen in October, 1993. Just some interesting little tidbits, like their basic sound requirements, etc.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-21381414934571135152009-02-20T13:32:00.020-05:002009-02-20T23:28:52.792-05:00

IIt's interesting--and, in many cases, heartwarming--to note how many artists have paid homage to Rick Danko in song.Of course, there are the countless musicians, artists, and writers who've been influenced and inspired by Rick and The Band (a topic for a future article). Rick always felt honored and got a little flustered whenever an interviewer mentioned a musician or group--like Jakob Dylan's

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-36388255459211371852009-02-10T21:00:00.004-05:002009-02-20T17:17:45.503-05:00

As his legend looms larger and larger, Rick Danko continues to be an inspiration to other musicians--so much so that a number of songs have been written about or have been inspired by him. Seems like there's a new one every day. Coming up next...a closer look at a few of those songs.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-15772008228194321712009-01-29T18:53:00.017-05:002009-02-04T12:18:40.834-05:00

Terry Danko has written, recorded, and performed scores of original songs over the years with a variety of groups and ensembles, and, thanks to the Internet and vehicles like YouTube and iTunes, his music is being discovered by new audiences—and rediscovered by longtime fans.One of Terry’s more obscure ensembles—Band fans generally know of Terry’s groups Atkinson, Danko and Ford; Tin Pan Alley;

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-64147030083762895322009-01-28T16:38:00.002-05:002009-01-28T16:44:43.375-05:00

...a new Q&A with Terry Danko on the origins of The Pencils, Rick's involvement, and songwriting with Richard Manuel.

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-64596554027438410902009-01-23T23:51:00.007-05:002009-01-28T16:46:18.354-05:00

Check out these YouTube vids (actually, audio) from Rick's younger brother, Terry. In 1980 and 81, Terry performed in California clubs with Marty Grebb (Richard Manuel sometimes sat in) in a band called The Pencils. The group recorded one album in Van Nuys, California and, unfortunately, the original masters were lost.But, Terry says, a couple of tracks were found on an old cassette and

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-54874828835173160462009-01-11T17:08:00.004-05:002009-01-11T17:32:39.701-05:00

I am working on a Facebook page for Rick. It's something I started many months ago, and am just now beginning to follow up on. It's pretty bare-bones at the moment, but I will be adding to it in the coming weeks.It's a work-in-progress, but please bear with me and realize that I operate according to Danko Standard Time (i.e., gradually, ramdomly, and usually very late at night). In the meantime,

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-39991478673347493232009-01-04T21:26:00.005-05:002009-01-04T21:44:17.420-05:00

This photo was taken at a Woodstock 20th Anniversary performance in 1989. Left to right are: Richie Havens, Melanie, Rick, and Band fan/drummer Jack Scarangella. The photo was sent to me by Jack, who first contacted me about a year ago, full of love and praise for The Band and for Rick. I promised Jack that I would post a photo of his, along with a bit of his story, so here it is.Jack first met

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-90293775470680153842009-01-01T14:55:00.003-05:002009-01-01T15:22:00.926-05:00

Wow...Rick's fans are die-hards! In just a few hours (over New Year's Eve, no less), I've already received a number of responses, all of which had at least one, and many of which had two out of three correct names of people who had connections to/relationships with both Rick Danko and Edie Sedgwick.A couple folks came up with three correct names as of late this morning, but the first person to

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-50219980110847383652008-12-31T16:14:00.005-05:002008-12-31T18:46:57.115-05:00

To ring in the New Year, I thought it would be fun to post a one-question Rick Danko quiz. The first person to answer this question correctly will receive a Rick Danko CD and an original glossy press photo.Here's the question:Name three people other than Bob Dylan who had a relationship with/connection to both Rick Danko and Edie Sedgwick. (Hint: The relationships/connections do not have to have

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-61648711497142754972008-12-29T17:44:00.005-05:002008-12-29T19:11:34.801-05:00

Volume II of BandBites continues today with an interview that was postponed from December 10 (in honor of Rick, I was working on Danko Time) with Bill Scheele and John Scheele, both of whom were involved with The Band during a very creative but sort of "lost" era--the first half of the '70s. I really enjoyed talking with Bill and John about the recording of Stage Fright, The Basement Tapes cover

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-1375328319220519182008-12-29T01:42:00.005-05:002008-12-29T01:56:42.290-05:00

I'm remembering and missing the world's cutest senior citizen today, on what would have been his 65th birthday. Today, in honor of Rick, maybe you can play one of his songs--he would have liked that. Or maybe you can just wear a mismatched outfit (mixing plaids and stripes works well), blow-dry your hair without combing it, don a Members Only jacket (with the sleeves rolled up), or call a friend

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-73198746337695810092008-12-26T21:16:00.006-05:002008-12-26T21:42:29.125-05:00

There are a number of iconic photos of Rick out there, most of which are with The Band. They are iconic for a reason--they are beautifully shot, they capture a moment, an image, a piece of history, a zeitgeist.Obviously, this is not one of those photos. It is not a stage shot. There's no bass in sight. It's in the least glamorous of settings. You can't really see Rick's face clearly. In fact, if

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-30904487483236486312008-12-26T17:44:00.009-05:002008-12-27T12:26:16.238-05:00

Iwant you to know that I read all your posts and comments here as well as your emails, and I will try to answer whatever I can.I've noticed a couple of requests in the past few days for info on Rick's basses, customization of pickups, basslines, etc., so here goes.In the early 90s, I asked Rick to give me a list of all the instruments he played, equipment he used, etc., so that I could have a

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-25019780818063507182008-12-24T16:11:00.006-05:002008-12-24T16:25:40.804-05:00

Just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year filled with peace, joy, and love.Thank you all for visiting this site, and for keeping Rick's music and his legacy alive. I like to think of him kicking back on a big, fluffy cloud up there, smoking a Merit, strumming his Takamine (and probably flirting with all the female angels), and sending out a big hug

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-72882116170688413462008-12-15T20:42:00.010-05:002008-12-16T18:21:05.064-05:00

I have to admit, I have a hard time saying their name: The The Band Band. Seems like it should just be The BAND Band. But that's neither here nor there--I'm just finicky about syntax. That said, the fact is The Band no longer exists as a live performing entity and, from everything I've heard, these guys are as close as it gets to the real thing. Aside from the authenticity of the music, the

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-16736171429627401922008-12-10T00:18:00.005-05:002008-12-10T21:23:54.521-05:00

Nine years ago today, Rick Danko was taken from us. Everyone who loved him died a little death that day and Woodstock was drenched with tears. But it wasn't just Woodstock that mourned--Rick had people all over the world who loved him.Personally, I've never been able to say goodbye to Rick, and I never will--I don't see a need. I can't see his smile or laugh at his jokes or listen to his chuckle

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-31586455052238828052008-12-08T15:53:00.008-05:002009-01-01T17:42:32.325-05:00

Volume II of BandBites will continue December 10 with an interview that I had a lot of fun doing. Brothers Bill Scheele and John Scheele, both of whom were involved with The Band during a very creative period, beginning in 1969, will talk about the recording of Stage Fright, The Basement Tapes cover shoot, Festival Express, and more.I thought it would be a fitting way to remember Rick on the

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-79927352717580913802008-11-30T19:41:00.008-05:002008-11-30T21:03:28.109-05:00

Rick went to Norway in February, 1991, to perform and record with Eric Andersen and Jonas Fjeld for what would become Danko Fjeld Andersen, aka, "The Trio Album." The album was magic, and was picked up immediately by Grappa Records, which was distributed by Polygram. This is the label's (grammatically challenged) original press release and promotional one-sheet used to advance the Scandanavian

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-47815940293617551502008-11-28T17:09:00.008-05:002008-12-26T20:55:16.074-05:00

From the time I was 16, I've always associated two media images with Thanksgiving: the fuzzy, iconic, heartbreaking footage of the JFK assassination and the feast for the eyes and ears that was The Band onstage in Winterland for The Last Waltz.All these years later, it is much the same. As I've written before, I have mixed feelings about The Last Waltz, but mostly, I am glad we have it. In just

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-59506232060377552172008-11-22T12:30:00.014-05:002009-05-15T19:44:23.007-04:00

Every serious music fan and critic is familiar with Music From Big Pink and The Band ("The Brown Album"), the first two albums by The Band, and the one-two punch that catapulted them into the sphere of rock royalty. No one disputes the greatness of those two albums; the only argument you're likely to hear has to do with which one is the group's true magnum opus. Personally, I prefer to think of

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-51451352014244006882008-11-21T19:13:00.010-05:002008-11-22T11:59:42.233-05:00

Most ardent Band fans know the name Jan Hoiberg, but if you're new to Rick Danko or The Band, you may not. But don't worry: you will. It's impossible to do any kind of online research into The Band without being directed to Jan's fabulous, comprehensive, meticulously organized, lovingly maintained website, which has been the definitive online Band resource since Jan started it 15 years

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-54065282146490073232008-11-16T13:13:00.005-05:002008-11-16T13:50:48.055-05:00

A very perceptive query on the Rick Danko guestbook (below) by a new reader named Terry stirred something in me today. He wrote that Rick always seemed a little sad and asked "Was he?"I have an innate contempt for pop psychology, pseudo-sociology, and writers and critics who over-analyze things that speak for themselves, so I'm not going to do that. But I think that Terry's question shows a real

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-40985688225996561672008-11-12T18:54:00.010-05:002008-11-12T22:15:12.108-05:00

There's a certain facial expression--actually, it can be any of a group of related expressions--that anyone who's experienced Rick Danko has exhibited at one time or another. I say "experienced" because Rick was not someone you "met" or "saw" or "knew." If you've been in Rick's company, you know that it was an experience.If you've had the pleasure of sitting in the "hot seat"--that is, next to

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-5832758995996965612008-11-11T20:37:00.009-05:002008-11-11T22:45:37.863-05:00

Rick's shows were as multifaceted as his personality and, particularly when he played smaller clubs, much of the vibe of a show depended on the audience. Rick was very intuitive and could tell right away what kind of crowd he was playing for, even if he'd never played a particular venue before.For the most part, he knew that certain venues drew, in general, certain kinds of crowds. Every once in

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-86055018460790393172008-11-08T20:29:00.005-05:002008-11-08T20:56:52.555-05:00

In the short time it's been up, this site has drawn thousands of visitors from all over the world, and I've gotten feedback and emails from lots of people--lifelong fans, personal friends, family members, colleagues, brand-new fans, and those who know nothing about Rick or The Band, but inadvertently stumbled on this site while searching for something else. It is wonderful to hear from all of you

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-89498984003990330842008-11-02T13:49:00.007-05:002008-11-02T16:02:53.788-05:00

After a hiatus of several months, I have resumed my Band-related interview series, BandBites, over at The Band website. Volume II kicks off with an interview with Terry Danko, Rick's younger brother. Terry's a great guy and a talented songwriter and musician. Please be sure to check The Band Site "What's New" Page; it should be up later today (November 2).

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1163153496627638229.post-63952378363429407682008-11-01T23:15:00.006-04:002008-11-01T23:41:25.340-04:00

Being around Rick meant guaranteed laughs, even if you were feeling down. He could always be counted on to provide a little comic relief--intentionally or inadvertently--just when you needed it most.Though Rick's not here, I can still depend on him for a laugh or a smile when I need it. I'm feeling a little under the weather, and came across this: it's a printout of the album sequence from

Carol Caffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237391685527637215noreply@blogger.com2