Remembering Levon Helm
The sad news of the death of Levon Helm, drummer and singer of the Band, has been confirmed after an announcement on Tuesday from his family that Helm’s health was rapidly deteriorating after a long battle with cancer.
Helm and the Band made an immeasurable impact on the history and direction of rock and roll through the ’60s and ’70s, both in their own right and through their famous and long-running collaboration with Bob Dylan, as well as many years of solo output such as Helm’s American Son, recorded following his work as an actor in the 1980 film Coal Miner’s Daughter.
Helm’s legacy, his influence on music and place in American cultural history, can’t be overstated. Here’s how his fans are remembering him…
“I’ve had all the lessons I could get. I’ve learned from everybody I’ve ever met.” – Levon Helm
— Eric Alper (@ThatEricAlper) April 19, 2012
Aw, was expected, but still so sad. Levon Helm, drummer/singer (and more) from The Band has died. This song is SO great youtube.com/watch?v=sjCw3-…
— Austin Buckeridge (@austinbucker) April 19, 2012
Levon Helm the pride of my hometown of Turkey Scratch has passed away. Thanks for putting us on the map.
— Steve Sparks (@ssparks1) April 19, 2012
Thanks Levon Helm. My dad used to dance with me to this when I was a wee child youtube.com/watch?v=11Y987… #grooves
— Kristen (@blisimo) April 19, 2012
As a rule I don’t take celebrity deaths very hard. But it’s going to be tough to deal with Levon Helm’s passing.
— rotoris tudoris (@roto_tudor) April 19, 2012
A photo I shot of Levon Helm, last summer at folkfest in Ottawa. Looks like he had as much fun as the rest of us: twitter.com/onewhowaitsher…
— One Who Waits Photos (@onewhowaitshere) April 19, 2012
I have nothing uniquely insightful to say about the passing of Levon Helm. It’s just a shame a guy like that can’t stick around forever.
— Stefan Marolachakis (@stefanpaulm) April 19, 2012
“Levon Helm is the only drummer who can make you cry.” Jon Carroll. RIP friend.
— snarkily (@Snarkily) April 19, 2012
The Band’s version of Atlantic City was even better than Springsteen’s. And it was all Levon Helm – rest in peace. bit.ly/HQoAIa
— Trevor Timm (@WLLegal) April 19, 2012
Levon Helm: RIP. One of the most musical and soulful drummers ever. I think about him almost every time I play.
— Brian Fitch (@brianmfitch) April 19, 2012
RIP Levon Helm. A must-listen to clip of him singing Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece”. youtube.com/watch?v=VttFNZ…
— Craig Nathanson (@drdedalus) April 19, 2012
RIP Levon Helm. The best singing drummer there was.
— Gary Dunlop (@Gazpacho91) April 19, 2012
RIP Levon Helm. Brought joy to lives of many for decades and will continue to do so. Couple of my best nights spent in his presence.
— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) April 19, 2012
I saw Levon Helm perform with his band just one month ago. What a great musician. What an inspiration. RIP.
— Ryan Lothian (@ryascolot) April 19, 2012
RIP Levon Helm (1940-2012) here narrating and acting in the thrilling opening sequence of THE RIGHT STUFF (1983) youtube.com/watch?v=cE2t6S…
— Lou Lumenick (@LouLumenick) April 19, 2012
Sad to hear of the passing of Levon Helm. Such a force in world of music and an advocate for new talent and bands. He will be missed.
— C.B. Cebulski (@CBCebulski) April 19, 2012
And the people were singing, they went la la la la la #Levon_Helm
— Rob Cox (@rob1cox) April 19, 2012
Is saddened by the passing of Levon Helm, and inspired by the outpouring at the news. Thank you for making music that moved us.
— Sophia Perlman (@SophiaPerlman) April 19, 2012
RIP Levon Helm, yes, The Band was groundbreaking, but to me he was Loretta Lynn’s dad in Coal Miner’s Daughter.
— Melanie Murray(@Melanie_Murray) April 19, 2012
Levon Helm and The Band- Slippin’ And Slidin’ (Live at Festival Express): youtu.be/5P-NuPWKQDg
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) April 19, 2012