After the news of Robbie Robertson’s death was announced, fans and fellow artists alike honored his long and influential career via social media. Publicist Danny Deraney wrote on Twitter, “RIP Robbie Robertson one of the greatest songwriters of all time and who wrote arguably the greatest and one of the most covered songs of all time, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”
“His songwriting and guitar playing made such a lasting impact on music and in fact changed the direction of music in the late 60s from psychedelic to a more roots-based approach. Huge loss,” Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith wrote.
Robbie Robertson’s artistic peers, including Stephen Stills and the Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood, mourned the loss. Neil Diamond wrote an emotional message, saying, “Keep making that Beautiful Noise in the sky, Robbie. I’ll miss you.”
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Roberston’s frequent collaborator and close friend Martin Scorsese released a statement to NBC News, saying in part, “There’s never enough time with anyone you love. And I loved Robbie.” Scorsese’s upcoming film, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” will feature the late Robertson’s music. Robertson spent the first years of his life on the Six Nations Reserve and supported Native rights.
When asked what his legacy will be made of, Robertson told Amanpour & Company in 2019: “I don’t know if someone else is gonna have to figure out the legacy part. I’m just gonna try and give them something good to talk about.”
