The music world lost a real treasure with the passing of Levon Helm. A Southern treasure Mark Lavon Helm was born May 26, 1940, in Marvell, Arkansas just west of Helena, Arkansas. He grew up listening to WLAC, WSM, and local station KFFA, where he was influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson. Original member of Ronnie Hawkin's back up band, The Hawks, the band honed their chops playing in bars in eastern Canada and the southern U.S. Asked to back Bob Dylan when he electrified his folk sound, and later went out on their own as "The Band."
Following the Last Waltz and the Band's break up, Helm recorded solo albums and acted in several movies. He also participated a country music concept album, The Legend of Jesse James, singing the role of Jesse James alongside Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris and Albert Lee.
Helm's musical career in the 2000s revolved mainly around the Midnight Rambles held at his studio, "the Barn," in Woodstock. These concerts, featuring Helm and a variety of musical guests, from the blues, country, and rock spectrum. Over the years Levon wore many musical hats drummer, guitarist, mandolinist, songwriter, singer, impresario, studio owner, studio engineer, and producer. He also returned annually to Helena, Arkansas to participate in the King Biscuit Blues Festival, where he celebrated the music that influenced him growing up in the Delta region of the south.
Levon passed away today, April 19, 2012.
The Trick's Synthetic Podcast Tribute to Levon:
Up On Cripple Creek - The Band Levon vocals
Daniel And The Sacred Harp - The Band Levon vocals
When I Paint My Masterpiece - The Band Levon vocals
Ophelia - The Band Levon vocals
Atlantic City - The Band Levon vocals
Milk Cow Blues from the RCO Allstars 1977
Audience For My Pain from solo album Levon Helm 1978
China Girl from American Son 1980
I Want To Know from the Midnight Ramble Sessions
Battle Is Over But The War Goes On from the Midnight Ramble Sessions
Don't Ya Tell Henry from the Midnight Ramble Sessions
When The Battle Is Over from the Midnight Ramble Sessions
Poor Old Dirt Farmer from Dirt Farmer 2007
It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry from Merlefest 2008
Ophelia from Ramble At The Ryman 2011
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