Drummer and singer for The Band, Levon Helm, talks to Anthony Mason about losing his voice to cancer of the vocal chord, and how it returned years later.
A great musician but an even greater man. No "rock star" attitude, no pretense, no sense of entitlement.... How can you not love this guy and by humbled by him? Rest in peace Levon.
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Levon Helm's voice, whether speaking or singing, is simply one of the most expressive, evocative instruments the American South has ever produced. Anyone who claims to love music should buy or rent "The Last Waltz" just to watch Levon sing "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." If you're not crying tears of joy by the end of that song you don't have a heart.
@@BrentTheGent1 I saw Levon perform with daughter Amy and their band at the Oregon Zoo outdoor amphitheater less than two years before he passed. His voice was rough, but he was still Levon Helm.
@@andyinoregon I must admit that I only got really into "The Band" and Levon in the past year for various reasons but I am hooked. It was an old buddy who was in past for a coffee and he put "TNTDODD" on and my love for music came back after many years of not listening. I am so hooked and have a blister on my ring finger rn from playing along to "Willie and the hand Jive" I have bought several CD's and am totally in love with the "poor old dirt farmer" album. My old mate who is great on guitar comes round and plugs in and I sing so we have a good old time. Life and illness took my joy of music from me for so many years. Do you know of Townes Van Zandt? His song "waitin around to die" hit me in the gut a while back. The old farmer guy who was listening to him sing could not hold back the tears and also did when I saw him. Made me realise something very important about myself and the old video of it holds much "weight"! Boom boom haha. Excuse "the band" pun.... But I found Townes Van Zandt through listening to "The Last Knife Fighter" who I also think is darn awesome. Also a guy with a voice like gravel is "Jay Howie" , please check him out. I am sure you will enjoy his voice and guitar skills. See you on the flip side and thank you for your comment. 🎸
The epitome of true greatness.......he doesn't have to tell you how great he is, he simply shows you every time he goes on stage. Talent, class and humility.....a combination you very rarely see these days.
He was just such a simple man with such extraordinary talents. I remember being 10 years old and watching him in Coal Miner's Daughter (no idea, at that time, of what The Band, and any music beyond simple music, even was). I fell in love with that man from that film because of his beautiful, but simple, goodness, that just shined through. When I was older and realized he was also a gifted drummer and singer I just felt as if we were all gifted with this man's presence.
You can see the joy in his eyes. It has always been there - now that he is older, it shines brighter. God bless this man and all those who love Levon Helm.
Love this man, don’t think he was ever given enough credit for all his achievements, which in itself, is the sign of a kind, unpretentious, beautiful human being. RIP
My oh MY! I have always loved this man and his enormous talent. Now to hear him speak so humbly of the gift that was returned to him humbles me also. God Bless You, Mr. Helm!!
"I'm not in love with listening to my voice and the sound of my voice anyway." That makes one of us, Levon. For me, I could listen to it every day forever.
I think Levon held true to the things that matter: "I am the drummer". And, wow, was he. From there, while he's modest about it, he had great musical ideas. The harmonies we heard in his Rambles: Levon on mandolin singing solo, Amy and Teresa, the horn section, Larry Campbell (a GREAT musician), Brian on keyboards: all either Levon's ideas or Levon pulling together the best of the best and letting each take the spotlight and also harmonize. OK...I loved the tight perfection of The Band. Can still remember where I was when I first heard "Chest Fever". The Levon Helm Band was something different and equally perfect in a looser, expanding, way.
I'm so fortunate to see him live, and was able to shake his hand. I don't care what anyone thinks, but I feel that even his voice now is classic. It's probably because Levon is such a talented and soulful singer that his voice can carry regardless of it being raspy. You're the best Levon!
The fact that he was not in love with his own voice is proof that we are often not the best judge of our own talents.. His singing voice is such a wonderful thing to so many of us, but perhaps the unassuming nature of it is what makes it so amazing. He doesn’t realize how great it is because he is so close to it.
I adore this man - have since he caught my eye all those years ago in The Band. You just aren't going to find a more genuine individual than this. Bless you Levon...I'm still listening!
Treated me w/such kindness & respect as I learned how to produce for gospel, blues & bluegrass artists long ago. Memorable human, sad he had to go so young. Nice to see this post. Tks.
Levon Helms along with his dialogue and presence represents America. The good side of America we envisioned, expected , and hoped for as little children.
Having listened to Levon's music since before I saw The Band in 1970, it is especially beautiful to view and listen to this inspirational video of The Man.
..There's a lot more here with Levon than a standard news spot interview. I'm 68 and I can relate with how great a gratitude Levon has for just being alive as the years roll on.
What a fighter that man was!!! He was really strong, and that bought him a lot more years, a lot more music, a lot more fun and a lot more time with his family and friends! Levon, rest in peace. We'll always love you and your music!
I have a list. It's people that I somehow wish that I could have met in this lifetime. Not to get autographs and not to satisfy some kind of "fan dream". Just people that I admire. People who's work I have enjoyed. People that I respect. Just to meet them, shake their hand, buy them a beer and have a conversation. Maybe ask a few questions...maybe hear a story or two...then we'll be on our way with a tip of the hat and a thank you for your time. Levon Helm is high on that list. Maybe it will still happen in the great beyond. Who knows?
WHAT A GENTLEMAN. Where have all the gentlemen gone? I see he has chosen wisely his sentimentality. He knows whats important, and doesn't harp on every mile marker. I wish to be as level headed someday. Mr. Helm, I wish you and yours nothing but the best. Thanks for sharing, -b- KCMO
Just got in from work to hear the sad news of one of my heroes final struggle with the imminent fate which awaits us all. The world will be a truly lonelier place without this man of limitless talent. I will pray God grant him a peaceful passing and comfort to you both.
Love Levon ❤️ Everything about him ! The first time my father heard The Weight on the radio, his roommate woke him up from his sleep and said, " You have got to hear this song and this voice." 💓
I've always loved Levon Helm. He seems like such a down to earth person. There never seems to be any pretense coming across when he speaks. He's good people and it comes through. I'm so glad to hear to that he's recoverinh and doing well. Peace.
Oh, I just now learnt that the wonderful down-to-earth gentle man, great musician and raconteur and a real human being has passed on. RIP Levon, you gave many people much happiness for many years.
Levon gave the band that half beat shuffle they used to such great effect. It became the signature for the best of the band. What a true country star! A down home man of great faith and talent. And that voice! Man he could really sing it! Sorely missed. They didn't want all the glitz and glamour that seduced so many artists when they got famous (including the Be-AT-les.) Have fun jamming with all the greats in heaven. Say I to Rich and Rick.
So wonderfully touching and genuine. Such an honest and simple man. Levon Helm you leave a wonderful legacy of your passion for your sweet musical style...RIP Levon Helm
His voice makes me almost cry.. I love him so much. When my husband told me he had passed I was downtown Denver just after the 420 fest and I broke down and cried. I listen to him almost everyday. It seems crazy but I just love his b=voice so much that I have to get my fix
My heart swells at the thought of your face and the sound of your voice, be well wherever you are and we as a whole will continue to love you and listen to your music!!!
You are so right. I can't picture life without the music of The Band and especially Levon's voice. It is people like him that give me hope for the future of music and the future of our kids. My family will never forget him. That is for sure.
It’s crazy how you can love someone and how they leave an impact on you and you don’t even personally know him. The power of music is incredible! And to think schools across America talk about stop offering music and arts programs to save a dollar.
His music was “liked” alright. “Liked” by about a hundred million people for about a half century. Life well lived.
A great musician but an even greater man. No "rock star" attitude, no pretense, no sense of entitlement.... How can you not love this guy and by humbled by him? Rest in peace Levon.
Well said
What lovely words for an
American treasure He's still with me every time I listen to the Band
Disagree he thought he was entitled to profits from robbie songs,even though he never wrote them, got very bitter about that
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@Rylan Kody instablaster :)
He always seemed to me like a man from another era - straightforward and honest to the core.
Yes, I know exactly what you mean. His voice and character is unforgettable. The Band were unique.
Levon Helm was a great spirit by any standard, and he enriched the lives of millions. May he rest in peace.
His voice and his spirit have been a presence in my life for 43 years. Love that gentleman
The Band was just pure Ameracona
Levon Helm's voice, whether speaking or singing, is simply one of the most expressive, evocative instruments the American
South has ever produced. Anyone who claims to love music should buy or rent "The Last Waltz"
just to watch Levon sing "The Night They Drove
Old Dixie Down." If you're not crying tears of joy by the end of that song you don't have a heart.
💯
Amen to that
A song my buddy and me play and sing when he comes around once a week or so.. ❤
@@BrentTheGent1 I saw Levon perform with daughter Amy and their band at the Oregon Zoo outdoor amphitheater less than two years before he passed. His voice was rough, but he was still Levon Helm.
@@andyinoregon I must admit that I only got really into "The Band" and Levon in the past year for various reasons but I am hooked.
It was an old buddy who was in past for a coffee and he put "TNTDODD" on and my love for music came back after many years of not listening.
I am so hooked and have a blister on my ring finger rn from playing along to "Willie and the hand Jive"
I have bought several CD's and am totally in love with the "poor old dirt farmer" album.
My old mate who is great on guitar comes round and plugs in and I sing so we have a good old time.
Life and illness took my joy of music from me for so many years.
Do you know of Townes Van Zandt?
His song "waitin around to die" hit me in the gut a while back.
The old farmer guy who was listening to him sing could not hold back the tears and also did when I saw him.
Made me realise something very important about myself and the old video of it holds much "weight"! Boom boom haha. Excuse "the band" pun....
But I found Townes Van Zandt through listening to "The Last Knife Fighter" who I also think is darn awesome.
Also a guy with a voice like gravel is "Jay Howie" , please check him out. I am sure you will enjoy his voice and guitar skills.
See you on the flip side and thank you for your comment. 🎸
No reason to wonder why people love him. So humble, doesn’t want to admit his greatness. RIP. Glad I made it to a ramble.
You are a lucky man
What a warm and charming man he was.
The epitome of true greatness.......he doesn't have to tell you how great he is, he simply shows you every time he goes on stage. Talent, class and humility.....a combination you very rarely see these days.
I love this man with his southern country twang. Pure class.
Levon Helm has one of the coolest voices and dialects on earth. I love this guy!
Dave
Me too. We should do lunch.
He was just such a simple man with such extraordinary talents. I remember being 10 years old and watching him in Coal Miner's Daughter (no idea, at that time, of what The Band, and any music beyond simple music, even was). I fell in love with that man from that film because of his beautiful, but simple, goodness, that just shined through. When I was older and realized he was also a gifted drummer and singer I just felt as if we were all gifted with this man's presence.
To this day Loretta Lynn can’t watch him do his scenes, he was so like her Dad. Floored her when he called her Lo-reddy 🥲
I love you, Levon. Your music touches my heart and soul.
You are still an insperation to a lot of people including me. RIP Levon Helm and thank you for everything you have taught me.
Oh Levon you are so missed everyday....
Yes
Thank you for the beautiful music you created. Levon Helm, RIP.
The night they drove old Dixie down...RIP Levon, we miss you.
You can see the joy in his eyes. It has always been there - now that he is older, it shines brighter. God bless this man and all those who love Levon Helm.
Love this man, don’t think he was ever given enough credit for all his achievements, which in itself, is the sign of a kind, unpretentious, beautiful human being. RIP
💯
One of the all time great voices didn't even consider himself a singer. Levon was the man.
R.I.P. you true Gentleman of the South!
One of THE BEST voices in rock history!
Who?
RIP, Levon, you'll always be remembered.
Thank you Levon for the wonderful music that always makes me happy.
My oh MY! I have always loved this man and his enormous talent. Now to hear him speak so humbly of the gift that was returned to him humbles me also. God Bless You, Mr. Helm!!
He was such a treasure, gotta love that voice.
100% Class Act. They just don't make them like this anymore.
A true Southern Gentleman
"I'm not in love with listening to my voice and the sound of my voice anyway." That makes one of us, Levon. For me, I could listen to it every day forever.
Agreed!
I love listening to my voice singing. I don't believe that.
Rest in Peace, Levon, you were a understated true legend, your music and amazing voice will live-on, forever, in our hearts...
Damn, it's just so sad that he's gone.
Such a sweet man. Love him and how much music means to him. He will be missed. Thank you Levon.
I think Levon held true to the things that matter: "I am the drummer". And, wow, was he. From there, while he's modest about it, he had great musical ideas. The harmonies we heard in his Rambles: Levon on mandolin singing solo, Amy and Teresa, the horn section, Larry Campbell (a GREAT musician), Brian on keyboards: all either Levon's ideas or Levon pulling together the best of the best and letting each take the spotlight and also harmonize. OK...I loved the tight perfection of The Band. Can still remember where I was when I first heard "Chest Fever". The Levon Helm Band was something different and equally perfect in a looser, expanding, way.
I'm so fortunate to see him live, and was able to shake his hand. I don't care what anyone thinks, but I feel that even his voice now is classic. It's probably because Levon is such a talented and soulful singer that his voice can carry regardless of it being raspy. You're the best Levon!
Im learning still how to be humble thanks to Levon
This interview is one of the most touching I have ever heard.
He was a class act.
I really liked his part in "The Shooter" a very captivating person!
And Loretta Lynn’s father. Amazing.
Great in 'The Right Stuff' also. He was the narrator and played Chuck Yeager's buddy at the airfield, based on a real guy.
The fact that he was not in love with his own voice is proof that we are often not the best judge of our own talents.. His singing voice is such a wonderful thing to so many of us, but perhaps the unassuming nature of it is what makes it so amazing. He doesn’t realize how great it is because he is so close to it.
God bless Levon.
I miss the music. But thank God all the great records are in my collection. God Bless the Great Music!!
One of the best voices of all time.
You're not in love with listening to your voice, Levon, ..but we are.
I adore this man - have since he caught my eye all those years ago in The Band. You just aren't going to find a more genuine individual than this.
Bless you Levon...I'm still listening!
Treated me w/such kindness & respect as I learned how to produce for gospel, blues & bluegrass artists long ago. Memorable human, sad he had to go so young. Nice to see this post. Tks.
Levon Helms along with his dialogue and presence represents America. The good side of America we envisioned, expected , and hoped for as little children.
This is what the soul of America used to look and sound like - pray we can get back there some day.
The most authentic voice of American music ..in my opinion . Mr Levon Helm !
What a beautiful soul. The whole state of Arkansas will never forget you.
what a lovely man he was.
A genuine southern gentleman. An American treasure. His Spirit lives on.
Man, I love The Band
He was real. Talented, Modest, and Humble. I miss good music.
Having listened to Levon's music since before I saw The Band in 1970, it is especially beautiful to view and listen to this inspirational video of The Man.
..There's a lot more here with Levon than a standard news spot interview. I'm 68 and I can relate with how great a gratitude Levon has for just being alive as the years roll on.
May God bless you Mr. Helm. May you rest in peace. Amazing man, and musician
What a fighter that man was!!! He was really strong, and that bought him a lot more years, a lot more music, a lot more fun and a lot more time with his family and friends! Levon, rest in peace. We'll always love you and your music!
I have a list. It's people that I somehow wish that I could have met in this lifetime. Not to get autographs and not to satisfy some kind of "fan dream". Just people that I admire. People who's work I have enjoyed. People that I respect. Just to meet them, shake their hand, buy them a beer and have a conversation. Maybe ask a few questions...maybe hear a story or two...then we'll be on our way with a tip of the hat and a thank you for your time. Levon Helm is high on that list. Maybe it will still happen in the great beyond. Who knows?
Agreed. Wish I could have told him he was the most beautiful part of Coal Miner’s Daughter.
@@MontagZoso you are not wrong about that.
The most humble man you'd ever meet. May your spirit live on forever Leon
Levon Helm will live for ever !!!
I met Levon several times and never thought I was meeting a celebrity. It was always a conversation between two guys getting to know each other.
thanks for such beautiful music over the years levon...
Thank you for everything Levon!! Can’t thank you enough!!
levon helm wow. im 24 and he is one of my favorites. he's a true artist
WHAT A GENTLEMAN. Where have all the gentlemen gone?
I see he has chosen wisely his sentimentality. He knows whats important, and doesn't harp on every mile marker. I wish to be as level headed someday.
Mr. Helm, I wish you and yours nothing but the best.
Thanks for sharing,
-b- KCMO
Levon is the real deal. What a wonderful man; great musician and a great attitude to overcoming his cancer. Long may he rock!
RIP Levon. Your music makes me cry.
Just got in from work to hear the sad news of one of my heroes final struggle with the imminent fate which awaits us all. The world will be a truly lonelier place without this man of limitless talent. I will pray God grant him a peaceful passing and comfort to you both.
such a beautiful man.
A true American Treasure!
Thank you for everything Levon , rest in peace Brother.
🧠🌌♾🎸🎵🎶
Love Levon ❤️ Everything about him ! The first time my father heard The Weight on the radio, his roommate woke him up from his sleep and said, " You have got to hear this song and this voice." 💓
I loved levon Helm as an artist as an actor and as a man
GOD Bless this man....a real human with a soul...speaks from the heart
Hey Levon, feeling your spirit tonight - rock on !!
THE SOUTHERN STATES PRODUCE THE WORLDS BEST SINGERS IN ROCK AND ROLL AND THIS FINE GENTLEMAN ADDS TO MY CLAIM WITHOUT ANY DOUBT.
one of the best singers around! and what drummer! wow! rock on mr. Helm! :-)
I've always loved Levon Helm. He seems like such a down to earth person. There never seems to be any pretense coming across when he speaks. He's good people and it comes through. I'm so glad to hear to that he's recoverinh and doing well. Peace.
Oh, I just now learnt that the wonderful down-to-earth gentle man, great musician and raconteur and a real human being has passed on.
RIP Levon, you gave many people much happiness for many years.
We still hear ya..and your playing for the angels now 🎶😇🎶
Levon deserved an interviewer who knew the difference between compromising and comprising. God bless him.
Levon gave the band that half beat shuffle they used to such great effect. It became the signature for the best of the band. What a true country star! A down home man of great faith and talent. And that voice! Man he could really sing it! Sorely missed. They didn't want all the glitz and glamour that seduced so many artists when they got famous (including the Be-AT-les.) Have fun jamming with all the greats in heaven. Say I to Rich and Rick.
Thank you for posting this interview. Love the guy and his music.
R.I.P. Levon, Thanks for the great music.
That's what a fantastic human being looks and sounds like. Bless you, Levon Helm
So wonderfully touching and genuine. Such an honest and simple man. Levon Helm you leave a wonderful legacy of your passion for your sweet musical style...RIP Levon Helm
What an incredible sweet man, makes me love him even more :)
What a gentle man!! With a truck load of spirit.
His voice makes me almost cry.. I love him so much. When my husband told me he had passed I was downtown Denver just after the 420 fest and I broke down and cried. I listen to him almost everyday. It seems crazy but I just love his b=voice so much that I have to get my fix
What a man....
We luv ya Bro!
Thanks for being there
Roger
My heart swells at the thought of your face and the sound of your voice, be well wherever you are and we as a whole will continue to love you and listen to your music!!!
Great musician and human being! Thanks for all the great tunes!!
I just clicked the thumbs up on all the posts, yo all rock, just like Levon. God bless all of you.
You are so right. I can't picture life without the music of The Band and especially Levon's voice. It is people like him that give me hope for the future of music and the future of our kids. My family will never forget him. That is for sure.
he is singing in heaven for eternity,
That guy was at least half of the band. A wonderful performer and a great human being
Rest in Peace Mr Helm. You are a true rock musician forever. One of the best.
I love this Man!! Never changed at all, with so many opportunities over the years... Thanks god for that.
great singer/ drummer, pure soul man...
He makes it look easy but it’s very hard to be lead & play the drums
I watch the Waltz every sunday morning with whiskey in my coffee. I love em!
It’s crazy how you can love someone and how they leave an impact on you and you don’t even personally know him. The power of music is incredible! And to think schools across America talk about stop offering music and arts programs to save a dollar.
I always loved Levon, and still do. RIP, Levon.