Levon Helm 1940 – 2012
Levon Helm passed away on April 19th, as he lost his long battle with cancer. He has long been an inspiration to me as a drummer, singer and founding member of The Hawks, and later The Band.
Levon Helm had an amazing career going back to the origins of rock and roll. Just read his bio on his website levonhelm.com and you’ll realize how important Helm’s contributions to music history really are.
Levon Helm was there when Bob Dylan went electric in 1965 and stirred up so much controversy over electric vs. acoustic guitars with the folk fans.
From The Band’s first album, Music from Big Pink, to their farewell concert at San Francisco’s Winterland in 1976, The Last Waltz, they were a huge part of the music scene. The Band had played, recorded and toured with founder Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Muddy Waters and Ringo Starr, among many others.
The Midnight Ramble Sessions started up around 2004 in Levon’s home studio in Woodstock, New York, and drew in some of the best players in the business, plus scores of fans. Recordings from the events became a best seller; Volume I and II of The Midnight Ramble Sessions, produced by Levon Helm Studios.
The Band with Levon Helm on drums, performing “Up On Cripple Creek” live in rehearsal, circa 1969.
Official Website: levonhelm.com
Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
Written by: Mike Withrow
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