An Interview with Levon Helm | Sound Tracks Quick Hits | PBS

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  • Опубліковано 8 бер 2012
  • Filmed in February 2012 as part of the Sound Tracks: Quick Hits series by the Talbot Players in association with PBS Arts ( / soundtrackstv .
    Levon Helm - drummer and lead singer for The Band - presides over what he calls "midnight rambles" -- concerts in his Woodstock, N.Y. barn, where he's surrounded by musical friends and family, including his daughter, singer Amy Helm. His voice may be raspy, but his energetic drumming and high-beam smile can warm the coldest winter night.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 404

  • @wittesco
    @wittesco 12 років тому +215

    Best part of this interview: At the end when Levon not only thanks the interviewer, but also looks at each of the guys in THE CREW, and thanks them for coming. What a class act, RIP.

    • @leh3827
      @leh3827 2 роки тому +13

      He looked right into the camera and thanked us all! Thank you Levon. See you on the other side of the river.
      I would have liked to hear Alison Krauss singing with Levon when his voice allowed. I love ya Levon, Rick, Richard, Garth, Robbie!

    • @martysmith5260
      @martysmith5260 11 місяців тому +4

      But he didn't feel too kindly towards Robbie Robertson. I read Levon's book - he raked Robbie over the coals!

    • @tres913
      @tres913 10 місяців тому

      @@martysmith5260 I just listened to Robbie saying that Levon told him "That book was bullshit, I didn't write that book." ua-cam.com/video/Aw1mqChVkCg/v-deo.html

    • @warshipsatin8764
      @warshipsatin8764 10 місяців тому +2

      dont hurt yourself with that shoehorn

    • @MortimerSnerdVideos
      @MortimerSnerdVideos 7 місяців тому +1

      @@martysmith5260Robbie later revealed he talked to Levon later about the book and Levon said that the book was BS and that he wrote part of it with somebody else

  • @sawmillslim
    @sawmillslim 12 років тому +50

    I'm convinced that ,due to this wonderful and humble man, this world is somehow, a slightly better place.

  • @franktac580
    @franktac580 9 років тому +213

    I met Levon at the diner in Woodstock back in the early '90s...we sat at the counter & had coffee & pie...I had the opportunity to tell him that The Band was one of the biggest influences on me as a musician...he was humble & warm; one of the best half hours of my life

    • @rnw2739
      @rnw2739 5 років тому +10

      Frank Tac You lucky bastard!! Would loved to have met him.

    • @michelleann533
      @michelleann533 3 роки тому

      💝💝💝

    • @thirdbase6870
      @thirdbase6870 3 роки тому +2

      @@onnoman
      "I admire American's who fought for my freedom by liberating the Netherlands from the nazis"??
      Levon was 4 yo when the Netherlands were liberated.

  • @SoundTracksQH
    @SoundTracksQH  12 років тому +99

    We are so grateful to see all the warm, heartfelt comments in response to our interview with Levon Helm. He was truly a beloved man.

    • @kilosoul236
      @kilosoul236 3 роки тому +6

      Thank you for this piece of Americana. Levon and the band changed music history forever.

    • @loboblue5441
      @loboblue5441 2 роки тому +4

      I miss a man that I've never met. Levon Helm, seemed like a member of my family, bc I miss him that much, as well as Rick Danko and Richard Manuel. Just the most special band, ever. RIP

    • @johnmacdonald7372
      @johnmacdonald7372 Рік тому +4

      The most beloved of men, a gentleman and a genius who was kind enough to share some with us. Rest in piece Mr. Levon Helm.

  • @MentalAffliction
    @MentalAffliction 12 років тому +23

    I damn near cried just watching this. Levon had the most beautiful old soul. I'm gonna miss him so much!

  • @mo9504
    @mo9504 4 роки тому +18

    Well, my Bros, I actually wept watching this, I really do not have any more words. Levon, I really miss you. RIP Brother

  • @johnremington1538
    @johnremington1538 3 роки тому +43

    I got a high five and a salute from Mark Lavon Helm in Portland Oregon in 1994. I just said "God Bless you, Levon and God Bless Turkey Scratch!" He got up from behind the drum, came over, high -fived me and gave me a salute and then went to work! One of the GREATS. End of story.

    • @donaldallen1276
      @donaldallen1276 Рік тому +2

      I live in Turkey Scratch 🌞

    • @williambrown6721
      @williambrown6721 Рік тому

      ​@@donaldallen1276explain yourself by saying scratch?

    • @donaldallen1276
      @donaldallen1276 Рік тому +2

      @@williambrown6721 My friend, that is the name of the town that Levon is from in the Great State of Arkansas in the United States of America 🇺🇲✌️🌞

  • @toddmichaelsen788
    @toddmichaelsen788 4 роки тому +70

    I was massively blessed to have seen one of these Rambles. Levon’s joy was infectious. What a damn shame that a National Treasure like this man was buried in medical bills. Kinda pisses me off. Seeing my Dad go through cancer right now is heartbreaking. It’s hell. The fact that people lose their homes to pay for cancer treatment in the richest country on earth is criminal.

    • @maryharper3395
      @maryharper3395 Рік тому

      Still the same not changing as long as healthcare of human beings is a money making business. Your rich you can get the best of care, your poor and you die broke and your family bankrupt.

    • @jeffmitchell9863
      @jeffmitchell9863 5 місяців тому

      Amen to that!!! It’s disgusting!! Pig Pharma!!!

  • @anne91276
    @anne91276 12 років тому +28

    The world has lost another talented musician from cancer. May he rest in peace. Many condolences to his family.

  • @SarahNDipity
    @SarahNDipity 9 років тому +164

    Dude truly was a class act. His music and his smile will ring out for centuries to come, and elegantly.

  • @TheJollycoppers
    @TheJollycoppers 3 роки тому +14

    Levon is the kind of person I wanna emulate...genuine, friendly, welcoming, great integrity and character, just a perfect gentleman. Levon, Gregg Allman, Brian Wilson, etc....I get so inspired listening to these guys talk (always humbly) about their past, about those who influenced them, and about their contributions to American music.

  • @NorthWriter
    @NorthWriter 12 років тому +47

    Man...singing songs on the back porch, singing songs around the supper table...that's a great musical heritage that people in America are giving up, and so many people don't seem to care about it. That's definitely something I want to change in my little corner of the world.
    You're all invited to my front porch to sing songs. :)

    • @leh3827
      @leh3827 2 роки тому +2

      ... and you to mine. Thanks to you and to our brother Levon. 😢😃

  • @harhar58
    @harhar58 12 років тому +28

    As Dylan said "one of the last true great spirits"...How can you not help LOVE this man....RIP, let's help Barbara "keep it goin"..

  • @jaredvoss3020
    @jaredvoss3020 9 років тому +29

    Now that's a fucking CLASS ACT!

  • @TheMountainman211
    @TheMountainman211 8 років тому +44

    one of my greatest memories is meeting levon in wheeling west virgins on the banks of Ohio river he talked to me asking about myself and family what my father did for a living I was on the light side of 20 and he gave me a turkey club sandwich and a coke and when he was talking to like he knew for years God bless him

  • @mrbutterat
    @mrbutterat 11 років тому +49

    What a beautiful human being. Rest easy Levon.

  • @eledrythbarton6863
    @eledrythbarton6863 6 років тому +24

    I was with him for 18 months in 1967/68. He was a wonderful person then & still is. Blessings on his soul & spirit!

  • @xendmc4215
    @xendmc4215 3 роки тому +13

    Am i the only one crying? I can't watch this, and i'm not kidding, this hurts. Rest in peace, Levon.

    • @leh3827
      @leh3827 2 роки тому +5

      No you are not the only one. It hurts... but I laughed along with him in the interview. We'll see him on the other side of the river, with a brand new body..! 😃

    • @jeffmitchell9863
      @jeffmitchell9863 5 місяців тому +2

      You’re not the only one!!! But I’ll take any of him!! What a blessed man!! He may have been done wrong and ended tragically, but that smile tells you how blessed his soul is!! A Fine Man right here!!!

    • @elizabethhu6955
      @elizabethhu6955 3 місяці тому +1

      I am crying too in Hong Kong

  • @whocutt1
    @whocutt1 11 років тому +21

    god i love him. i truly mourned when he passed. so humble and sweet.

  • @GreenManalishiUSA
    @GreenManalishiUSA Рік тому +7

    Levon radiated personality and charisma. His friend and fellow musician John Martyn described Levon as being "like a mad sparrow." Even when battling illness, Levon kept his smile and the twinkle in his eye. Many years since his passing, he is still larger than life. Miss you, Levon Helm.

  • @coastdweller
    @coastdweller 10 років тому +14

    Levon was a hell of a classy guy . In any interview he did he seemed to always talk up other musicians and never bragged on himself or his amazing talent. This was filmed shortly before his death and you can hear the raspy higher tone of his voice that sounds like he did when he had been diagnosed with cancer the first time . Little did we know he was fighting it again and he never let on..

  • @crawford323
    @crawford323 4 роки тому +17

    I love it that he thanked the production crew at the end of the show. A true Southern Gentleman.

  • @imovedy
    @imovedy Рік тому +4

    "He was my bosom buddy friend to the end, one of the last true great spirits of my or any other generation" - Bob Dylan

  • @gjazzy3072
    @gjazzy3072 6 років тому +13

    This interviewer did a great job. He asked Levon a lot of good questions, and Levon looked happy answering them. I'm glad I was able to share the wonderfull moments. RIP Levon, I love you for the rest of my life.

  • @chrisckelly
    @chrisckelly 4 роки тому +16

    Humble until the very end.
    This video was posted in March of 2012. Levon Helm passed away that April.
    Along with the other members of The Band, he was a major influence in my learning more than one instrument growing up. Listening to him in this video was rough knowing that he’d soon be gone.
    However, the thing that got me choked up in this video was at 11:48. I’m pretty sure that was Muddy, Levon’s dog, shaking off from a nap and then coming up to Levon for a scratch.
    This is good stuff right here.

  • @jameslumpkin3334
    @jameslumpkin3334 10 років тому +35

    Proud to be from the same neck of the woods in Arkansas as this great man. I love Arkansas & dirt farmers, duck hunters, & bass fishin. My fishin partner was Levon's god son. How many of you can say, I smoked with Levon. A great humble man that loved his roots. Love you Levon.

    • @leh3827
      @leh3827 2 роки тому

      What a great thing to look back on. I saw him in the Calgary Library Theater, with the Kate Brothers. He and they played there hearts out. YHA! 😃😢😿

  • @moldlives
    @moldlives 9 років тому +34

    "I had more bills than I had uh... just about anything, besides friends." ~ Levon

  • @WhiskeyRockARoller84
    @WhiskeyRockARoller84 11 років тому +15

    If everyone had the heart and soul of Levon Helm... What a wonderful world we would live in. Rest In Peace Levon. We miss you so much, and are so thankful for the inspirational, soulful, REAL music that you provided us over the years. Your determination, and passion for doing what you loved were truly amazing. Your music will live on forever...

  • @RichA7CV41
    @RichA7CV41 9 років тому +43

    What a national treasure this man is/was and forever will be. RIP Levon, thanks for everything....

  • @coyote023
    @coyote023 12 років тому +12

    Me and my wife saw levon a few weeks ago up in his barn and he had some friends david hildalgo and cesar rosas and a few others. After los lobos did an acoustic set which as usual was off the hook ,but 45 minutes later levon and his band came out and i gotta tell ya looking at levon looking into his eyes he was not feeling well but being levon he counted and the show began ,watching him from about 8 feet away levon was hurting and i was hurting for him .I started seeing levon in the '70's and

  • @InTimeBeerReview
    @InTimeBeerReview 9 років тому +31

    What an inspirational human being!

  • @blackmesaband
    @blackmesaband 3 роки тому +11

    He seems like such a genuine guy. Really cares about the musical experience.

  • @WeCantAffordThat
    @WeCantAffordThat 12 років тому +15

    Hardest thing I've tried to sit and watch in a long time. Killing me. We love you Levon. You will be missed more than you can know.

  • @nickapalooza861
    @nickapalooza861 11 років тому +17

    He is just so real, He is such a genuine nice man.

  • @jimmyrecce8787
    @jimmyrecce8787 Рік тому +5

    Levon was a true national treasure...we just don't have too many like this great musician around anymore...you are truly missed Levon....😏😏

  • @jasonlee8497
    @jasonlee8497 7 років тому +200

    Robbie got the money, but Levon got the heart and soul.

    • @eledrythbarton6863
      @eledrythbarton6863 6 років тому +3

      amen, J'Mac, more than you know

    • @beverlymcdowell7192
      @beverlymcdowell7192 4 роки тому +6

      Love all these boys

    • @dr.strangelove7788
      @dr.strangelove7788 4 роки тому +26

      Robbie wrote the songs

    • @johnscialfa7391
      @johnscialfa7391 4 роки тому +12

      And Robbie wrote the songs

    • @cutchopweld5717
      @cutchopweld5717 4 роки тому +13

      It think Levon got some money too. Everything I have read on these boys says they squandered their money as fast as they made it. I think they thought the money would never stop flowing in!

  • @martytruelove5026
    @martytruelove5026 6 років тому +18

    Always loved his unique vocals and his acting bits.This guy was one of "The Greats" in my eyes.

  • @FredwMiddleton
    @FredwMiddleton 10 років тому +26

    Levon was such a slice of reality, forged in the deep south of Arkansas. He came from a musical family, and pretty much lived for it. As a drummer I admire his playing, and ability to sing and drum at the same time, quite amazing.
    I sincerely hope he's not the last of his kind.

  • @richardhebb3852
    @richardhebb3852 3 роки тому +10

    Great what a great gentleman and down to earth performer much respect sad we have lost him.

  • @RamSkirata
    @RamSkirata 2 роки тому +9

    This has to be one of the best interviews of a musician out there period.

  • @World-as-i-c-it
    @World-as-i-c-it 5 років тому +6

    He was so good in Shooter. Great musician and singer most of all.

  • @officialjbbeverley
    @officialjbbeverley 12 років тому +14

    Talk about how to hang in there until the end and not let your spirits break. What an amazing man. R.I.P., Levon. You are sorely missed already.

  • @nickflores9714
    @nickflores9714 11 років тому +9

    I miss this man :( the end broke my heart

  • @elvislives-gl4rv
    @elvislives-gl4rv 4 роки тому +5

    Grace, humility, intuition and manners. This is what I miss from todays generations.

  • @8Scorpions
    @8Scorpions 3 роки тому +10

    What a great person, you can just tell by his story telling, that he loved the music industry🙏

  • @georgeshaw8925
    @georgeshaw8925 5 років тому +6

    Truly miss him, I will never forget him playing a preacher on the Steven Seagal film.

  • @johnandrew4467
    @johnandrew4467 4 роки тому +5

    That small part in shooter he played so friggen great

  • @jasonhenkel6247
    @jasonhenkel6247 Рік тому +2

    He’s so thankful. What lesson of how to be.

  • @boozoochavis7506
    @boozoochavis7506 6 років тому +11

    Rest in peace Levon, you made a hell of a lot of good music over the years and certainly made this place better for having been here. You will be missed!

  • @frankodonnell8041
    @frankodonnell8041 5 років тому +7

    I miss him so much. Been to a few Rambles. I miss me some Levon.

  • @secrettarg1558
    @secrettarg1558 10 років тому +91

    Levon had such a beautiful smile. I can't help smile myself when I listen to him. He seemed to be extremely humble and down-to-earth.
    RIP Levon

    • @iiPotatoes
      @iiPotatoes 6 років тому +4

      He really did seem like the greatest person to talk to. Like he'd be honest and tell some good stories. Shame he had to go out like that. Really wish the band could've turned out different.

  • @joshuameighan344
    @joshuameighan344 3 роки тому +8

    What an amazing human being your music Sir Levon will live forever. God Bless 🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼

  • @thomaspick4123
    @thomaspick4123 6 років тому +5

    Yes, what a beautiful, happy smile. Levon was so much fun. Friendly, he loved to perform live. The other musicians have fun playing together.

  • @wswalcott1
    @wswalcott1 12 років тому +5

    As tears well up listening to this great musician and person i know we are losing one of the best.

  • @pogues2300
    @pogues2300 9 років тому +18

    the interviewer asked really great qustions

  • @clarehayes896
    @clarehayes896 3 роки тому +4

    So blessed to have attended the Ramble with my family. He was an amazing musician and human being.

  • @mattphillips1910
    @mattphillips1910 3 роки тому +4

    What an amazingly good guy. Imagine being in his shoes and having such a great attitude.

  • @jodeepurkeypile7137
    @jodeepurkeypile7137 6 років тому +12

    Never another like Levon. One of the greatest vocalists in rock 'n' roll.

  • @geoffwright9684
    @geoffwright9684 5 років тому +15

    What a respectful beautiful interview ..well done ❤️
    Levon was the real deal...when he thanked the crew at the end it tore my heart out

    • @leh3827
      @leh3827 2 роки тому

      It tears mine apart too buddy.

  • @dajoden
    @dajoden 9 років тому +28

    It's so fitting that his hands never stop moving while he's talking. He can't keep them still; they have as much to say - if not more - as his voice.

  • @287750km
    @287750km 12 років тому +7

    Levon was COOL! Even sickness couldn't get him down.
    R.I.P. and raise some hell in heaven!

  • @lehnanne
    @lehnanne 12 років тому +5

    Peace and Love to you Levon. Your voice will carry on. You are loved.

  • @acousticshadow4032
    @acousticshadow4032 5 років тому +3

    Caught Levon & The Ramble live at the Hampton Beach Club Casino in June of 2010. I am an old buck who has been to hundreds of concerts over the years, but never to one like that night on the seacoast of New Hampshire (literally, across the street from the Atlantic Ocean). The feeling in that huge, expansive old ballroom was what one might hope for in a tiny little shoebox club. The effect was a communal feeling that I had never experienced before, or have since, at any concert - anywhere. Very hard to put into words, but it's something I'll never forget. Thank you, Levon.

  • @jeffdawson2786
    @jeffdawson2786 10 місяців тому +1

    This is making me cry.

  • @feltongailey8987
    @feltongailey8987 Рік тому +1

    National treasure. I remember specifically where I was and what I was doing when I heard Levon was gone. A fantastic singer with cancer of the vocal cords. What a world, what a world!

  • @northhaven100
    @northhaven100 12 років тому +4

    humble, authentic, a true American treasure! I'll miss you Levon. Music never sounded so good

  • @OttoByOgraffey
    @OttoByOgraffey Рік тому +2

    Levon was one if a kind. "And he shall be Levon, and he shall be a good man."

  • @rahuldsouza2855
    @rahuldsouza2855 Рік тому +2

    Levon helm is all class. R.I.P

  • @dog1dog2
    @dog1dog2 12 років тому +2

    Damn Levon....I'm gonna' miss you. Thanks for all the great music.

  • @MDLOP8
    @MDLOP8 10 місяців тому +1

    Thank you. I knew Levon and interviewed him in 2004 for a book I wrote, and I helped with his then-band, the Barnburners, by moving gear just as a means of having a chance to pay back the joy of being in his company. He was a prince of a man, and an absolute joy to spend time in his presence backstage.

    • @bennnnu380
      @bennnnu380 10 місяців тому

      and now Robbie 😢

  • @MrGandharva108
    @MrGandharva108 11 років тому +6

    Two of my favorite singers in the same band, Levon Helm and Donald Fagen.
    God Bless you Levon. I hope I get a chance to meet you someday, someway, somehow.
    A fan.

  • @bethwhiting3729
    @bethwhiting3729 3 роки тому +2

    I'm from Arkansas I am proud to say.i love this man. I feel his spirit.

  • @exteriority
    @exteriority 12 років тому +4

    So many good memories. One of the greats. Much love, Levon! Thanks!

  • @thomasslawson5159
    @thomasslawson5159 5 років тому +4

    Blessed to even have been able to
    Hear his music,salt of the earth.

  • @williamhoeweler8259
    @williamhoeweler8259 3 роки тому +2

    What a genuine man ,just a very talented country gentleman ,love this video

  • @tommyvance2325
    @tommyvance2325 5 років тому +4

    Awesome man and musician and actor , gotta love this guy and his talent !!

  • @donnamillermcnutt
    @donnamillermcnutt 3 роки тому +2

    He was a beautiful man. Handsome till the end. I could listen to him all day!!!! God Bless 💖

  • @johnjobin7694
    @johnjobin7694 Рік тому +2

    Rest In Peace Levon❤❤❤

  • @bloomeye6969
    @bloomeye6969 3 роки тому +2

    Seems like one of the nicest cats one could have met! Real amazing guy! RIP!!

  • @gbell87
    @gbell87 12 років тому +2

    Rest in peace Levon. Thanks for the wonderful music. Love to your family.

  • @FloridaManMatty
    @FloridaManMatty 2 роки тому +1

    I absolutely loved that old man. I think everyone should have a Levon in their lives. He REALLY understood and fostered joy in life. Whether he was playing for thousands or just talking one on one with a total stranger, he could make everyone feel like THEY were the star in the room. God bless ol’ boys like Levon Helm.

  • @OKOMvideos
    @OKOMvideos 12 років тому +2

    I've listened to Levon Helm since high school back in the early 70s. He was one of the main influences in my life and my drumming.

  • @beverlymcdowell7192
    @beverlymcdowell7192 4 роки тому +2

    Greatest singer and drummer I and singer I ever saw.

  • @simonparadis8908
    @simonparadis8908 3 роки тому +1

    Levon is the embodiment of all that is good in American music.........

    • @johngore7744
      @johngore7744 3 роки тому

      Music is best thing y’all ever produced. Thanks from Canada.

  • @CHlEFFIN
    @CHlEFFIN 7 років тому +6

    What a beautiful and extraordinary human being... We miss you Mr. Helm... the definition of a southern gentleman.
    -a Salvadorian FANATIC living in the beautiful Houston, Texas

  • @MissPerriwinkle
    @MissPerriwinkle 2 роки тому +8

    sang some of the best hits of the century.....the last waltz was awesome !!!

  • @catholicinseattle
    @catholicinseattle 3 роки тому +1

    What a kind and gracious man. Nothing proud or haughty about him for being such a famous artist. Someone commented unfavorably about his teeth: Smokers are prone to tooth and gum disease. He probably had to undergo significant dental work. His teeth and smile look like Leonard Nimoy’s toward the end of his life - Nimoy was a life long smoker. May they both Rest In Peace.

  • @marshmb
    @marshmb 12 років тому +2

    Miss you, Levon. You are such a gentleman.

  • @Aussietari
    @Aussietari 2 роки тому +1

    I Grew Up here in 🇦🇺Australia
    Listening to "The⭐️Band."
    Levon is still a "Legend."😌

  • @Justin_Hikes
    @Justin_Hikes 12 років тому +2

    much to learn from levon. such an old soul.

  • @justfelix6171
    @justfelix6171 4 роки тому +2

    I love this man I mean. The guy was at the end of his life, losing his voice in the interview and he didn't stop. He smiled and at the same end he thanked him.

  • @gldswrd
    @gldswrd 11 років тому +20

    Levon ..... i shall not miss him for he will always bein my heart... i sound like grumpy old man... but can someone tell me... whre are the artists of this new generation.... does anyone match up to levon??? dont even tell me BIEBER OR GAGA..... rip my friend

  • @Filterite5
    @Filterite5 2 роки тому +2

    My fav band of all time . My fav drummer ever RIP Levon

  • @calchick82
    @calchick82 12 років тому +1

    After seeing this interview that he did only a couple of months ago(possibly even one of his last, if not the last, interviews), I realized that I'm REALLY going to miss him:( We love you Levon, and you will be remembered forever.

  • @Ramcomminc
    @Ramcomminc 12 років тому +12

    We'll miss you Levon. Hope there's a Cripple Creek for you up in Heaven.

    • @fanmaxis3004
      @fanmaxis3004 2 місяці тому

      They are all up in heaven now waiting for Ol' Garth to come up

  • @joekosobucki2141
    @joekosobucki2141 Рік тому +1

    RIP Levon! Thank you for all of great music!

  • @roslynr9767
    @roslynr9767 4 роки тому +7

    What an extraordinary man! So glad you tube is around to show these recordings! Love this man!

  • @lbgc321
    @lbgc321 12 років тому +1

    Wonderful man! Truly blessed and willingly shared his blessings. Lord if you can find a way to give me one drop of Levon's talent and goodness....I would be truly grateful. Rock on my Brother!

  • @luizeduardoluiz4820
    @luizeduardoluiz4820 3 роки тому +2

    A shining human!

  • @liaghetta
    @liaghetta Рік тому +1

    Humble, kind, totally authentic. He was great, in any possible way.