Levon Helm
Levon Helm: The Bluesy, American Roots Legend
Levon Helm, the renowned American musician, rose to fame as the drummer and vocalist of The Band, a critically acclaimed roots rock outfit that emerged from Bob Dylan's backing group. Helm's distinctive voice, bluesy harmonica playing, and soulful songwriting left an indelible mark on the music world.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Turkey, Arkansas in 1940, Helm grew up immersed in the traditions of Southern blues and folk music. By his early teens, he was playing drums and singing in local bands. In 1961, he joined Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, a Canadian rockabilly group that later became known as The Band.
The Band and Critical Acclaim
The Band's self-titled debut album in 1968 and subsequent releases, "Music from Big Pink" and "The Band," garnered widespread critical acclaim for their unique blend of roots rock, folk, blues, and country. Helm's drumming and vocals were integral to the band's distinctive sound, particularly on iconic songs like "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek."
Solo Career and Challenges
Following The Band's dissolution in 1976, Helm embarked on a successful solo career. He released several acclaimed albums, including "Levon Helm & the RCO All-Stars," which featured collaborations with iconic musicians like Emmylou Harris and John Hiatt. However, Helm faced challenges in the late 1990s when he was diagnosed with throat cancer.
Return to Music and Legacy
After battling throat cancer, Helm returned to music with a renewed vigor. He recorded a series of albums at his own studio in Woodstock, New York, including "Dirt Farmer" and "Electric Dirt," which were praised for their raw, bluesy sound. Helm also hosted the popular television series "Midnight Ramble," which featured live performances by himself and other musicians.
Controversies and Personal Life
Helm's life was not without its controversies. In 1986, he was arrested for possession of marijuana and cocaine. He also faced financial difficulties and legal disputes in later years. However, his personal challenges never diminished his passion for music.
Discography
* The Band (1968)
* Music from Big Pink (1968)
* The Band (1969)
* Stage Fright (1970)
* Cahoots (1971)
* Rock of Ages (1972)
* Moondog Matinee (1973)
* Northern Lights - Southern Cross (1975)
* Islands (1977)
* Levon Helm & the RCO All-Stars (1977)
* Levon Helm (1980)
* American Son (1982)
* Levon Helm & the Midnight Ramble Band (2005)
* Dirt Farmer (2007)
* Electric Dirt (2009)
* Ramble at the Ryman (2011)
Members of The Band
* Rick Danko (bass, vocals)
* Levon Helm (drums, vocals)
* Garth Hudson (organ, accordion, saxophone)
* Richard Manuel (piano, vocals)
* Robbie Robertson (guitar, vocals)
Levon Helm, the renowned American musician, rose to fame as the drummer and vocalist of The Band, a critically acclaimed roots rock outfit that emerged from Bob Dylan's backing group. Helm's distinctive voice, bluesy harmonica playing, and soulful songwriting left an indelible mark on the music world.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Turkey, Arkansas in 1940, Helm grew up immersed in the traditions of Southern blues and folk music. By his early teens, he was playing drums and singing in local bands. In 1961, he joined Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, a Canadian rockabilly group that later became known as The Band.
The Band and Critical Acclaim
The Band's self-titled debut album in 1968 and subsequent releases, "Music from Big Pink" and "The Band," garnered widespread critical acclaim for their unique blend of roots rock, folk, blues, and country. Helm's drumming and vocals were integral to the band's distinctive sound, particularly on iconic songs like "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek."
Solo Career and Challenges
Following The Band's dissolution in 1976, Helm embarked on a successful solo career. He released several acclaimed albums, including "Levon Helm & the RCO All-Stars," which featured collaborations with iconic musicians like Emmylou Harris and John Hiatt. However, Helm faced challenges in the late 1990s when he was diagnosed with throat cancer.
Return to Music and Legacy
After battling throat cancer, Helm returned to music with a renewed vigor. He recorded a series of albums at his own studio in Woodstock, New York, including "Dirt Farmer" and "Electric Dirt," which were praised for their raw, bluesy sound. Helm also hosted the popular television series "Midnight Ramble," which featured live performances by himself and other musicians.
Controversies and Personal Life
Helm's life was not without its controversies. In 1986, he was arrested for possession of marijuana and cocaine. He also faced financial difficulties and legal disputes in later years. However, his personal challenges never diminished his passion for music.
Discography
* The Band (1968)
* Music from Big Pink (1968)
* The Band (1969)
* Stage Fright (1970)
* Cahoots (1971)
* Rock of Ages (1972)
* Moondog Matinee (1973)
* Northern Lights - Southern Cross (1975)
* Islands (1977)
* Levon Helm & the RCO All-Stars (1977)
* Levon Helm (1980)
* American Son (1982)
* Levon Helm & the Midnight Ramble Band (2005)
* Dirt Farmer (2007)
* Electric Dirt (2009)
* Ramble at the Ryman (2011)
Members of The Band
* Rick Danko (bass, vocals)
* Levon Helm (drums, vocals)
* Garth Hudson (organ, accordion, saxophone)
* Richard Manuel (piano, vocals)
* Robbie Robertson (guitar, vocals)