Renowned Canadian musician and songwriter Robbie Robertson has passed away at the age of 80. Robertson, best known as the guitarist and main songwriter for the influential rock group The Band, died on Wednesday in Los Angeles after a long illness. His death was announced by his longtime manager, Jared Levine, who revealed that Robertson was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. The family included his wife, Janet, his ex-wife, Dominique, her partner Nicholas, and his children Alexandra, Sebastian, Delphine, and Delphine's partner Kenny. Robertson is also survived by his grandchildren Angelica, Donovan, Dominic, Gabriel, and Seraphina.

Born Jaime Royal Robertson on July 5, 1943, Robertson played a pivotal role in The Band, a rock band that gained prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Band, which also consisted of keyboardist Garth Hudson, bassist Rick Danko, pianist Richard Manuel, and drummer Levon Helm, combined elements of folk, gospel, jazz, rhythm and blues, and roots rock to create a distinctively American sound. Robertson, Hudson, Danko, and Manuel were all born in Canada, while Helm was the only member born in the United States.

Robertson's contributions to The Band went beyond his stellar guitar playing. He also wrote some of the band's most iconic songs, including "The Weight," "Up on Cripple Creek," and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." However, it was his appearance in Martin Scorsese's 1978 documentary "The Last Waltz," which chronicled The Band's farewell concert, that catapulted Robertson to stardom. This collaboration with Scorsese continued throughout his career, as he went on to produce scores and curate songs for several of the director's movies, such as "Raging Bull," "The Departed," "The Wolf of Wall Street," and "The Irishman." Robertson had just completed his fourteenth film music project with Scorsese titled "Killer of the Flower Moon" before his death.

Robertson's impact on the music industry was immense. His music, both with The Band and as a solo artist, resonated with millions of people around the world. Martin Scorsese, a close friend and collaborator of Robertson, praised his music for its ability to encapsulate the essence of America and its traditions. The Band's music, along with Robertson's solo work, drew inspiration from the country's deep-rooted traditions, tragedies, and joys.

The Band's journey to success began in the early 1960s when they started as the backing band for Toronto-based rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins. They later joined forces with Bob Dylan and embarked on a world tour from 1965 to 1966. After changing their name to The Band and relocating to Woodstock, New York, they became one of the most respected groups in rock. Their 1976 farewell concert in San Francisco, immortalized in Scorsese's documentary, "The Last Waltz," marked the end of an era.

Robbie Robertson's music left an indelible mark on the music industry. His compositions, with their enigmatic lyrics and diverse musical influences, painted a vivid picture of an America that was both mythical and authentic. The Band's music blended folk, rock, country, soul, and gospel, and their unique sound influenced countless musicians, from Eric Clapton and Elton John to the Grateful Dead and the Beatles. Their music, often labeled as "Americana," tapped into the rich history of the United States, evoking images of a bygone era.

Robertson's personal background also played a significant role in shaping his musical style. Born to an Indigenous Canadian mother of Mohawk and Cayuga descent and a father of Jewish heritage, Robertson drew inspiration from his visits to the Six Nations Indian Reserve in Ontario. He was moved by the musical talents of his relatives and sought to capture that same passion in his own compositions.

Robbie Robertson's legacy will continue to resonate in the world of music. His contributions to The Band and his collaborations with Martin Scorsese have cemented his status as a musical icon. As tributes pour in from fellow musicians and fans alike, the world mourns the loss of a true visionary.