Levon Helm
The late Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm was an American blues, rock and Americana musician, actor and musical icon. Although he played venues from honkytonks and bars to stadiums and arenas for more than five decades, he was best known as the drummer and vocalist for the Band. From their celebrated role as Bob Dylan's first electric back-up band to "The Last Waltz" in 1976, The Band's compelling sound changed the course of American popular music. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
The Band reformed and continued touring and recording with a new lineup into the '90s, when Levon began holding his Midnight Rambles at his barn-like home studio. This amazing series of shows featured a killer band, led by Larry Campbell and featuring Teresa Williams and Amy Helm, as well as guest appearances some of Americana music's most revered artists: Mavis Staples, Dr. John, Donald Fagen, Jackson Browne, My Morning Jacket, Norah Jones.... the list goes on and on. Throughout, Levon's smiling presence from behind his drum kit stitched all the various musicians into a cohesive whole that created an unforgettable experience for all who were lucky enough to attend.
Levon's long list of credits also includes: a world tour with Ringo Starr's All-Stars: acting roles in film, including "Coal Miner's Daughter" and "The Right Stuff," and two Grammy-winning CDs, "Dirt Farmer" and "Electric Dirt."
Levon passed away on April 19, 2012.
