Birth Name: Richard Clare Danko
Date of Birth: December 29, 1943
Place of Birth: Blayney, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada
Date of Death: December 10, 1999
Place of Death: Marbletown, New York, United States
Ethnicity:
*Ukrainian (father)
Rick Danko was a Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter. He was the bassist, rhythm guitarist, and co-vocalist of the rock band The Band. Other members of the band included Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, and Robbie Robertson.
Rick was the son of Leola and Maurice “Tom” Danko. His family is said to be Ukrainian. It is not clear if both his parents were of Ukrainian origin.
Rick’s paternal grandparents were likely Joseph Danko and Presvakeviya. Joseph and Presvakeviya were both born in Austria-Hungary, likely of Ukrainian descent.
Rick’s maternal grandmother was named Smith.
Sources: Likely Rick’s father, Maurice Danko, on the 1916 Canadian Census – https://familysearch.org
Names of some of Rick’s relatives – http://theband.hiof.no