In this recent interview, legendary singer and drummer for the Band Levon Helm was asked what was next, and he replied that he and his musicians were going to try to “make ourselves better.” In the 13-minute PBS video, Marco Werman talks to Helm about music, his health, a Turkish Army Band, and Helm’s Midnight Rambles, where he hosts concerts at his barn in Woodstock, NY with guest performers.
Helm, who was born May 26,1940, talks about his health struggles and his voice since he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He continues to produce new music as on his most recent three Grammy-winning CDs: Ramble at the Ryman (2011), Dirt Farmer (2007), and Electric Dirt (2009).
Below is a clip of a performance of “The Weight”during a recent Midnight Ramble. In the performance, Helm is joined by Woody Platt and his band the Steep Canyon Rangers. Other singers include Ramble regular Larry Campbell and Brian Mitchell. Teresa Williams and Helm’s daughter, Amy Helm, add backing vocals.
When Helms talked about making “ourselves better,” he was talking about making the Rambles and his music better, but we wish him good health. At age 72 and a career of great music and a battle with cancer, we are lucky to have him around still trying to make better music.
What is your favorite Levon Helm song? Leave your two cents in the comments.
I think my fave is the weight, and I think the other mh’s fave is the night they drove old dixie down. (he does a mean karaoke of both versions with a partner from work, too.) I’m bemoaning the fact that our going out budget is so limited. We are only about 5 miles away from the barn but the ramble tix are $150!
That’s interesting, I didn’t realize the tickets were so expensive, but I guess there is a lot of demand for the events. Thanks for the comment.