Richard Manuel

Richard Manuel, a pivotal figure in the legendary rock group The Band, earned the nickname "the funny one" due to his endearing personality, yet struggled with frailty and substance abuse. As a talented vocalist, Manuel brought to life some of The Band's most iconic and enduring songs, including the hauntingly beautiful "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)", the emotionally charged "Tears of Rage", the melancholic "Whispering Pines", and the uplifting "I Shall Be Released". Prior to his tragic demise, Manuel made appearances in a few notable films and took part in The Band's iconic concert, The Last Waltz, which was held in 1978 and has since become a seminal moment in rock history. Unfortunately, Manuel's life was cut short when he took his own life by hanging himself from a shower curtain rod in his motel room in 1986, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day.