RIP Mark “Levon” Helm 5/26/40-4/19/12
April 19, 2012
The music world lost two music legends this week: Dick Clark of American Bandstand (and more!) and Mark “Levon” Helm of The Band (and more!) who died of cancer today. (Image found on facebook–couldn’t figure out who made it–will cite source when possible).
While much is being made about Dick Clark’s passing because he was a household name, most people know the music that Levon Helm made with The Band including”Cripple Creek” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”
Here are a few quotes and videos showing why Levon Helm will be long remembered for his career as well some words about Levon from music/film resident expert and guest blogger Ron Wells.
I first saw Levon when the Band backed up Dylan in 1974 and later when he played with Ringo’s All-Star Band. He was such a joy to watch, sitting behind his drum kit, keeping the beat, singing up a storm, and having the time of his life. He sang the songs with such passion and soul. He played the music like it was the only real thing in the world, and a lot of fun at that. He lived his life to the fullest, and he never missed a beat.
“If you give it good concentration, good energy, good heart and good performance, the song will play you.”“Dad and mom would have preferred that I be a doctor, a lawyer, a scientist, or a great humanitarian.”“Don’t we all want what’s best for each other?”“If you pour some music on whatever’s wrong, it’ll sure help out.”
And so I’ll pour some music on what’s wrong right now. Rest In Peace, Levon Helm.
You might also want to check out “The Weight” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjCw3-YTffo
PS Ron says you can find lots of Levon Helm quotes here:
The quotes above, he says, aren’t really sourced, but Ron’s guess is they come from his biography This Wheels on Fire: Levon Helm and the Story of the Band and the film about him, Ain’t in it for My Health: A Film About Levon Helm.
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