Levon Helm of the Band died at 10:30 Eastern time this morning. He was an amazing drummer, and incredible singer, and also a very good actor (Coal Miner’s Daughter!) I’ve heard a great, hilarious story about Levon that I can’t repeat here, but if you see me sometime, grab me and I’ll tell it to you. The man was a champion. Here are two wonderful videos, one old and one new.
The Band at Syria Mosque, Pittsburgh, 1970.
And here’s a PBS video from one of Levon’s infamous Midnight Rambles, held at his barn up in Woodstock. This was shot a mere two months ago.
Watch Quick Hits: Levon Helm Performs “Ophelia” on PBS. See more from Sound Tracks.
Rest in peace, Levon. You will be greatly missed.
Agree to all of this. Helm was an awesome musician.
I went to one of those Midnight Rambles in Woodstock. Those things were truly magical. It was like going to someone’s private party in the woods to just watch a few friends jam out.