Posted on 04/17/2012 5:06:09 PM PDT by Terry Mross
Dear Friends, Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey.
Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration... he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage...
We appreciate all the love and support and concern. From his daughter Amy, and wife Sandy
(Excerpt) Read more at levonhelm.com ...
Sad news, that. Far better musician than a great many of his contemporaries, including some that wrote songs about him . . .
The Band ping
Back in the early 70s I played at a little American Legion Club in Marvell, Arkansas. We were told Levon played there as a young man. I always felt it was an honor to have stood on the same stage.
I also worked at KFFA in Helena. Levon said as a kid he used to listen to the King Biscuit Radio Show every day and was heavily influenced by the blues players from that area.
I loved this man’s music and I pray for him and his family.
The Last Waltz was the best thing Scorcese ever did.
Levon Helm is one of three lead singers.
If you don't know the history behind this song, search it. It could come to us all.
Prayers up. A great talent, heading home.
I worked with a disc Jockey who grew up in Helena, Arkansas and worked there all his life. He told me that Ronnie Hawkins and Conway Twitty used to play at “battle of the bands” gigs. Said Hawkins one everytime and Harold Jenkins and the Ridgerunners (Conway) had to pack up and go home. Hawkins moved to Canada and later brought Levon up with him.
As much as I like the various member's solo work, it still has a hard time comparing to the raw spirit of The Band.
Brings tears to my eyes.
One of my favorites. Prayers for Levon.
I was lucky enough to see Levon at Floyd Fest 2 summers ago what a great experience. He was great. When I heard the news today I listened to Dirt Farmer all the way home. It was amazing he was able to make this album after having throat cancer.
It’s very hard to get a group of musicians together who can get along. I put a band together once. Man, we were tight! None of us liked each other was the problem.
It's kind of an odd aside, but a roadie for a Grateful Dead cover band once told me that he knew it would be a good show when they came in pi**ed off at each other. "Call me a crappy bass player? Take THIS!"
I always tried to help my band buddies but it takes something intangible to break out. Talent alone isn't enough.
Her fiance was driving the pickup, she was in the middle, and I was in the passenger seat. And Up On Cripple Creek came over the radio, and both of us guys started belting out the chorus like a couple of wounded screech owls.
She never knew what hit her.
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