Quite honestly, I can't you tell how many times I've seen The Last Waltz, but I do know that the next time I do, it will be with sadness knowing that Robbie Robertson, alive forever in that landmark rock and roll concert movie, died on August 9 at the age of 80 after his battle with prostate cancer.

Given that The Last Waltz had been directed by Martin Scorsese and had featured a galaxy of classic-rock stars from Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Van Morrison to Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, and Neil Young, it is somehow fitting that even casual rock fans—certainly those born after the movie's release date of 1978—who might have vaguely heard of the Band, whose farewell concert is the very purpose of the movie, might still ask, "Robbie who?"

Robbie Robertson, the acclaimed singer/songwriter best known for his work with The Band, passed away today. He was 80 Years Old.

Born in Toronto, Ontario and raised in the Six Nations reserve, Robertson first joined a band at age 13, and would later meet Ronnie Hawkins, a Canadian rockabilly performer who would recruit him for his group, Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks.

It was with the Hawks that he met Levon Helm. The Hawks would later add Rick Danko, Mickey Jones and Garth Hudson, and in 1964, the quintet left the Hawks to form their group, known simply as “The Band”. After touring with Bob Dylan as his backing band, Robertson would be the principal songwriter for the group, penning such hits as “Up On Cripple Creek”, “The Weight” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”, which made them stars in the late 60s and early 70s.

Acclaimed director, Martin Scorcese, filmed the documentary, “The Last Waltz”, which served as the backdrop of their breakup. Robertson would work with Scorsese often as a music producer or consultant for many of his films, including “Raging Bull”, “The King of Comedy”, “Casino”, “Gangs of New York” and “The Wolf of Wall Street”.

Robertson had his own successful solo career, generating multiple albums and minor hits. He is a member of the Canadian Juno Music Hall of Fame (1989) and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Band (1994).

We here at Notinhalloffame would like to extend our condolences to the fans, friends and family of Robbie Robertson.

Originally the backing group for Ronnie Hawkins, than Bob Dylan, the Band came by their name naturally as they were often the band that was backing up other stars.  When they struck out on their own they created the best Roots Rock of their day (or any other day) and their first two albums (Music Form Big Pink & The Band) are enough to warrant their induction.