[Bookhead]

I realize this is a little late (almost a week), but I searched and it doesn't appear anyone started a thread in honor of the late, great Levon Helm.

The Band are right up there with the Tragically Hip and Neil Young as my favorite Canadian artists of all time (okay, the Band was actually only 4/5 Canadian, with Helm as the one American--but I still consider them Canadian, for what it's worth). Levon was the heart and soul of the Band, and sang lead on so many of their best songs ("The Weight", "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "Up on Cripple Creek," "Don't Do It", to name a few).

For the last week, the Band has been on heavy rotation in my car and house, and I've also been listening to Levon's two tremendous recent solo albums, Dirt Farmer and Electric Dirt. Despite nearly losing his voice, he sings with incredible feeling and passion on both of these solo records.

Anyway, rest in peace Levon: you will be sorely missed, but your music will live forever.

[direwolf74]

I was pretty bummed when I heard the news. Hands down one of the most influential musicians of all time. R.I.P. Levon.

[thebends]

The Last Waltz was probably one of my favourite live albums (and movie) as far as I can remember; grade 8 in the late 70's if I'm not mistaken. Even though it was marketed as The Band's farewell performance it was all new to me, and opened doors to many other Canadian artists I grew to love and admire. Levon Helm, one of the rare songwriter\drummer\lead singers of his time, was the heartbeat of The Band. The Last Waltz, recorded in 1976 San Francisco, featured many guset appearances including Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Van Morrison. I still have the triple LP vinyl downsatirs.

[tommygunn]

Rest in Peace, Mr. Helm

[redhill]

Was lucky enough to meet him back in the day

RIP Levon

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