Robbie Robertson wasn’t known as a prolific solo artist after The Band‘s “Last Waltz” farewell concert in 1976. He released just five proper albums between 1987 and 2019, plus one soundtrack that was entirely his (Music for ‘The Native Americans’ in 1994).
But he was remarkably productive as a collaborator, producer (of Neil Diamond and Jesse Winchester, among others) and contributor to various soundtracks, including those to movies by his friend Martin Scorsese. Indeed, he scattered great songs and performances all over the place — a co-write here, some soundtrack music there, even two Christmas songs in 1988 and 2019.
Following the news of his death Wednesday at age 80, Billboard compiled a quick guide to 10 songs and performances that are either obscure, or where Robertson’s involvement is obscure, that are worth tracking down.