United States
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Levon Helm
Elaine, United States
Archival Overview
Soulful American drummer and lead vocalist for The Band, whose authentic Delta roots gave life to The Weight, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, and Up on Cripple Creek.
Biographical Record
Mark Lavon Helm grew up on an Arkansas cotton farm and learned drumming and mandolin listening to the Grand Ole Opry and Delta blues masters. In 1957, he joined rockabilly star Ronnie Hawkins in The Hawks, who later backed Bob Dylan on his historic 1965–1966 electric world tour.
Rechristened 'The Band', Helm and his bandmates released 'Music from Big Pink' (1968) and their self-titled 1969 album, forging the Americana genre with Helm's gritty southern vocals on 'The Weight' and 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down'. Following throat cancer surgery that cost him his vocal cords, he miraculously regained his voice, hosting the legendary Midnight Ramble barn concerts in Woodstock and winning three Grammy Awards.
Key Life Milestones
Music from Big Pink and The Weight
Sang lead on The Weight, introducing a rustic roots-rock sound that influenced Eric Clapton and George Harrison.
The Last Waltz
Anchored The Band's farewell concert in San Francisco, immortalized in Martin Scorsese's legendary concert film.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialWoodstock, United States