Levon Helm

Levon Helm (May 26, 1940 - April 19, 2012) has passed away.
Levon perhaps is best known for the time he spent playing with The Band, delivering the back-beat and vocals for some of American musics greatest tunes. It is hard to sum up such a life. No words can describe the tremendous effect this man has had on the music world. His voice was iconic in every sense of the word. He Delivered his amazing vocals all the while keeping the beat for the rest of the group. To date Levon Helm and The Band, along with The Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers Band played to the largest crowd in American history. 600,000 people came to upstate New York to see The Band, and I guarantee every soul was satisfied that day.

Although Levon Helm was most famous for his time spent with The Band, the argument can be made that his solo career was even more successful. Levon was nominated for three grammy's: 2007's Dirt Farmer, 2010's Electric Dirt and 2011's Ramble at the Ryman. Not only was he nominated, he won all three, 2010's being the introduction of a new grammy category, Best Americana Album. Levon has been listed by Rolling Stone as one of the top 100 drummers of all time (albeit to low on their list at 91).

Not enough can be said. Not enough can be written. Let us never forget this man and his many contributions to the world of music.

Rest In Peace, Levon Helm.

I'll leave you with 2 videos.
1) The Band performing Marvin Gaye's "Don't Do It" This song really shows off Levon's capabilities.



2) Levon Performing "Ana Lee" from his Ramble at the Ryman in 2011. Simply no words can describe...