The Band was a Canadian-American group formed in Toronto in 1967, known for blending Americana, folk, rock, R and B, jazz, and country into a unique, influential sound. The group featured Canadians Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, Robbie Robertson, and American Levon Helm. Originally known as the Hawks and backing Ronnie Hawkins in the late 1950s and early 1960s, they later gained fame as Bob Dylan’s first electric band during his 1966 tour. Their debut albums, Music from Big Pink and The Band, are regarded as classics, spawning well-known songs like The Weight, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, and Up on Cripple Creek. The Band's farewell performance in 1976 was immortalized in Martin Scorsese's film The Last Waltz. Although members reunited for tours in the 1980s, the group ultimately disbanded after the deaths of Richard Manuel and Rick Danko. Widely acknowledged for influencing artists like George Harrison, Elton John, and Eric Clapton, The Band has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. They are recognized as one of the most important acts in rock history.