Robbie Robertson was simply trying to come up with songs for The Band’s new album, Music From Big Pink. The album title came from the big pink house in upstate New York they rented and used as a recording studio. The Band was Bob Dylan’s backup band, and they moved there to be near Dylan while he was recovering from a motorcycle accident.
When Robertson looked inside his Martin guitar that day he saw the standard Martin imprint saying that the instrument was crafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. The name of the town spurred memories of a journey he made from his native Canada down to the Mississippi Delta when he was 16 years old. He thought of all the characters he met on that trip, and in his mind heard voices singing what would become the song’s chorus.
Performed at Woodstock, the song, The Weight, reached #63 on US charts in 1968, yet it is one of the most iconic songs ever recorded. Covered by Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples & The Staples Singers, Joe Cocker and Weezer, the song’s 50th anniversary was recently celebrated by Playing For Change.
Playing For Change brought musicians together to collaborate on the song from five continents — Jamaica, Nepal, the United States, Italy, the Congo, Spain and many others — joined Robbie Robertson, Ringo Starr, Lukas Nelson, and Marcus King.
Playing For Change is a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music. The idea for this project came from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.
Since 2005, the Playing For Change crew has traveled the world recording and filming musicians, creating Songs Around the World, and building a global family.
“I’m honored to be a part of this community of good humans doing good things… music is a connecting force that spans cultures and brings them together .. may we continue to learn about each other through the rhythms and the notes we play.” ~ Lukas King
From our home to yours, xxoo
