Robbie Robertson

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Lore & Background

Robertson's journey to Dylan began at Tony Mart's nightclub in Somers Point, New Jersey. In August 1965, while the group was finishing their second engagement there, Robertson received a call from Albert Grossman Management for a meeting with Bob Dylan. They had been recommended by Mary Martin, a Toronto native working for Grossman and a friend of the band, though Dylan also knew them through John Hammond's album So Many Roads. Although Levon Helm initially left after audience hostility during early shows at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium and the Hollywood Bowl on September 3, Robertson continued with Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson. They rehearsed in Toronto from September 15–17 without Helm before embarking on the 1966 World Tour as Dylan's backing band.

In Their Own Story

The source details specific moments of Robertson's early integration into the music world that foreshadowed his work with Dylan. Before joining the singer, Robertson wrote two songs overnight—"Someone Like You" and "Hey Boba Lu"—to impress Ronnie Hawkins after overhearing him mention a need for new material; both were recorded for Mr Dynamo (1959). Hawkins later took Robertson to the Brill Building in New York City to select songs. When Robertson joined the Hawks as bassist, he soon switched to lead guitar, developing into a virtuoso under the influence of Roy Buchanan, whose volume speed dial manipulations and rapid sweep picking deeply impacted his style. This technical foundation prepared him for the complex demands of backing Dylan.

Reader's Guide

Robertson's role with Bob Dylan was strictly defined by his position as lead guitarist following a recommendation in August 1965. He worked alongside Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson, who had previously toured with Ronnie Hawkins. The group faced significant challenges during the transition to electric performance, including audience hostility that caused Helm to temporarily leave after the September 3 shows at Forest Hills and the Hollywood Bowl. Robertson remained with the other members through rehearsals in Toronto (September 15–17) before they completed the global leg of the tour as Dylan's backing band. This period established them not just as a backing group, but as the core unit that would eventually become The Band.

Did You Know?

• Robertson wrote two songs, "Someone Like You" and "Hey Boba Lu," in a single night to impress Ronnie Hawkins before joining his band.
• Dylan hired the group after Mary Martin, an employee of Albert Grossman Management, recommended them; Dylan also knew them through John Hammond's album So Many Roads.
• Levon Helm left the group after the September 3 shows at Forest Hills and the Hollywood Bowl due to audience hostility but returned for the 1966 World Tour.
• Robertson rehearsed with Dylan in Toronto from September 15–17, 1965, without Levon Helm before the global tour began.
• Before joining the Hawks as a bassist, Robertson switched to lead guitar and developed his style by absorbing techniques from Roy Buchanan.