The Band (26)

The Band
Sepia-toned tunesmiths
Causes of Death:
Richard Manuel, vocalist (1943-1986): Suicide by hanging
Rick Danko, vocalist and bassist (1943–1999): Heart failure

When I Recycle My Masterpiece: Dylan's legendary former backing outfit have been well served since their 1976 breakup was marked by Martin Scorsese's concert movie The Last Waltz: Their back catalogue has been milked steadily via reissues and compilations, including the recent The Band: A Musical History, they have been the subject of several biographies and they have influenced countless bands, from the Eagles to Broken Social Scene.
Always Read the Fine Print: The Band's songs have been used in numerous film soundtracks and covered widely: There are at least 27 versions of "This Wheel's On Fire," 42 of "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and 50 of "The Weight." Unfortunately for the remaining members of the band and the individual estates of Danko and Manuel, singer-guitarist Robbie Robertson took almost all of the songwriting credit and convinced all but drummer Levon Helm to sell him their publishing rights. Nowadays Robertson pals around with computer billionaire Paul Allen, while multi-instrumentalist Garth Hudson has declared personal bankruptcy three times.