Levon Helm - On Singing While Drumming

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  • Опубліковано 19 кві 2012
  • Levon Helm discusses singing while drumming in his On Drums and Drumming instructional video from 1992. The interviewer is his fellow drummer in The Band Randy Ciarlante. He also gives us an impromptu solo performance of The Battle is Over But the War Goes On.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 254

  • @cobb_thedrummer
    @cobb_thedrummer 3 місяці тому +8

    Could listen to just him singing and drumming, nothing else, for hours.

  • @cameronroyce1761
    @cameronroyce1761 7 років тому +190

    It seems to me Levon plays drums almost as if he's about to let the beat get away from him but catches it at the last possible second, one of the greatest drummers ever no doubt.

    • @RebelChild09
      @RebelChild09 5 років тому +10

      Cameron Royce ― That is spot on! I love it; perfectly phrased.

    • @ericking4072
      @ericking4072 3 роки тому +3

      AND A TERRIBLE LOSS OF A LIFELIGHT

    • @DG-sf9ei
      @DG-sf9ei 3 роки тому +2

      Yeah, his style is very similar to Ginger Baker in that way. At times its almost like simultaneously hearing the rest of the group on one track and the drums set at the same tempo but a 1/2 step behind on another track.

    • @speier
      @speier 3 роки тому +3

      similar to John Bonham

    • @hamburgerdan101
      @hamburgerdan101 2 роки тому

      Very loose all musicians should aim to play that way. laid back and loose.

  • @dougpeters1625
    @dougpeters1625 3 роки тому +16

    I have never been so blown away and entertained by a single man singing while playing the drums..

  • @ROCKSTARCRANE
    @ROCKSTARCRANE 8 років тому +169

    WHY CAN'T WE HAVE MUSICIANS LIKE THIS ANYMORE?????? My God, the beauty of simplicity.......

    • @serialchiller6786
      @serialchiller6786 5 років тому +1

      Look this guy also sings while drumming...
      ua-cam.com/video/fDI_8n6gQMg/v-deo.html

    • @fransnagel
      @fransnagel 3 роки тому +3

      Because in this new world real musicians aren't able to make a decent living and have been replaced by dj's that make millions but don't know how to play a single instrument.

    • @sm-ev8ld
      @sm-ev8ld 3 роки тому +6

      they do exist you just arent looking hard enough

    • @janetownley
      @janetownley 2 роки тому +3

      … you can’t because your mind closed shut about music in 1973

    • @janetownley
      @janetownley 2 роки тому +1

      @@fransnagel This is just not true at all.

  • @bertvanstaveren3178
    @bertvanstaveren3178 2 роки тому +51

    He wasn't the only singing drummer, but he sure was the greatest one.

    • @andrewshydlowsky6173
      @andrewshydlowsky6173 11 місяців тому +1

      I would say that Levon and Peter Riveria of Rare Earth are 1A and 1B both interchangable.

    • @babylemonade2868
      @babylemonade2868 11 місяців тому

      Roger Taylor of Queen is up there too.

    • @jdfolbre
      @jdfolbre 11 місяців тому

      Oralé!

    • @JAMStudiosIE
      @JAMStudiosIE 4 місяці тому

      I have to add Andy Sturmer of Jellyfish to that list

  • @fuzzy5113
    @fuzzy5113 11 років тому +23

    i could watch this dude play and sing by himself all day....seriously....

  • @jvega419
    @jvega419 10 років тому +53

    I consider myself lucky to have walked the Earth with that man.

  • @blindterrytucci2752
    @blindterrytucci2752 6 років тому +54

    The one thing I respected most about Levon (other than his feel because holy shit) was his modesty. He didn’t think he was doing anything special while the rest of us sit in awe. He’s the only drummer I’ve ever heard who can make time keeping the best part of a song.

    • @cryptonator1988
      @cryptonator1988 Рік тому +1

      Facts bro his groove and feel you cant teach you either have it or you dont. If he thinks hes okay of a drummer then hes the best okay drummer that ever made me feel some type of way because most drummers dont move me at all but his drumming and singing it hits me in the best way possible.. we have too think he aint showing us anything he had so much more he could do on a drum kit for him and what he did it just wasn't necessary but you think he can't play a john Bonham drum solo i bet he could-!!!!! I remember seeing the last waltz by luck late at night on pbs and i was tired as shit and i couldn't go back too sleep i was in such awe and couldn't believe what i was hearing.. couldn't believe my parents never told me about the band i was mesmerized the first couple of beats they had my full blown attention and i felt the music immediately no hesitation i still feel this way everytime i hear them such magic how he does it and keeps it so simple i will never understand pure talent..

    • @joelglanton6531
      @joelglanton6531 8 місяців тому

      @@cryptonator1988 Very well put. Not many drummers are as moving to me either

  • @Jellybeantiger
    @Jellybeantiger 3 роки тому +17

    The groovers and tasty drummers have a mastery of slow tempos,R.I.P. Levon Helm.
    When he sang,the lyrics were felt through his whole being,a fantastic musician.

  • @ronnie73072
    @ronnie73072 6 років тому +30

    Levon. What an amazing guy. Awesome drummer, good singer, great teacher and awesome actor. Love listening to him talk and he was one of the best parts of the movie Shooter. RIP LEVON.

    • @Berniewahlbrinck
      @Berniewahlbrinck Рік тому +1

      He was awesome in THE THREE BURIALS OF MELCHIADES ESTRADA

  • @tiponin23
    @tiponin23 7 років тому +17

    I had to pause so I could type this and not miss the message. Genius, humble, humor, integrity, Beautiful.

  • @tmo7734
    @tmo7734 11 місяців тому +3

    Every molecule in Levon's body was musical. What a horrible loss of a wonderful talent. May Levon Rest in peace.

  • @tattyshoesshigure5731
    @tattyshoesshigure5731 8 років тому +30

    Love Levon... could listen to him chatting & drumming for hours, thanks for posting!

  • @cycleguy666
    @cycleguy666 2 місяці тому +1

    Loved Levon my whole life and still do!! Glad to have his recordings and have some video too!!

  • @rhythmantic
    @rhythmantic 11 років тому +25

    Levon was the music, it was all in him and the drums were just an extension.

  • @cuda426hemi
    @cuda426hemi 8 років тому +20

    The Master. Like all Masters he makes it look like a walk in the park.

  • @danradu9659
    @danradu9659 9 років тому +11

    Even if he never sang, he should be considered one of the top drummers ever. Tons of groove....

    • @mightymartianca
      @mightymartianca 6 років тому

      And he was a pretty handy mandolin player as well.

  • @stevebirks2186
    @stevebirks2186 8 років тому +46

    He is just amazing !!! - My Doc advised me to take up the drums -After a long Illness - It was a Medical paper he'd read - And apparently they get people who have had strokes to to learn to play the drums - A : to get their memory ticking over again - B : to get their coordination back ?
    I could never play like Him ! he is like I said just amazing!!!
    Thanks for sharing !

    • @kimweemhoff8066
      @kimweemhoff8066 3 роки тому +5

      Did it do you good, mr Birks? I hope so
      I’m also curious because i’ m thinking of teaching basic independance to non drummers who i think might benefit ( elderly, children with ADHD etc)

    • @joelglanton6531
      @joelglanton6531 8 місяців тому

      No kidding, good for you, and good on ol' Doc too. Do you still play, Steve?

  • @alhillx
    @alhillx 6 років тому +10

    The lesson here for musicians: whether you sing or drum or play bass or guitar or keys: what you do has to serve the song. This is a mastercraft lesson by someone who is an elite singer and drummer, but what he is talking about is what the song needs.

  • @the24thstreetwailers
    @the24thstreetwailers 11 років тому +9

    he's the reason I drum and sing and have made a career (so far) out of doing so, he was everything a great drummer should be. so sad I never saw him live. thanks for this video.

  • @TheKiller-yh3pi
    @TheKiller-yh3pi 8 років тому +7

    I really hope this stuff is being preserved in the Library of Congress. Gold...this is worth GOLD. The knowledge here, in the right hands, could ignite fire with those sticks.Forget the Gold standard....What America needs now...is The Levon Helm Standard.

  • @FelixWheatfield
    @FelixWheatfield 3 роки тому +8

    RIP Levon Helm. An underrated, "unsung" (ironic, isn't it?) hero of music history.

  • @jimlabos
    @jimlabos 5 років тому +8

    It's a sin to be that good and that humble. Damn!
    The best musicians know when to forget the technique and let the feel take over.
    Crazy that he sings a capella with drums and it still grooves and makes sense.

    • @serialchiller6786
      @serialchiller6786 5 років тому +1

      Look this guy is also awesome...
      ua-cam.com/video/fDI_8n6gQMg/v-deo.html

  • @Billy-jp2ln
    @Billy-jp2ln 8 років тому +24

    Levon is keeping time in heaven. I saw Levon live at the knight theatre in Charlotte in 2012. Unbelievable show. He had ten horns in his band. He got up to play mandolin and did the old duck walk. Campbell his guitar player was better than Robbie R. Levon's daughter, Amy has a voice like an angel from heaven. I will never forget that night. I had been a fan for many years. They played the weight, Ophelia, cripple Crk, chest fever, and songs off his last two albums, dirt farmer, and electric dirt. He won Grammys for both. What a man

    • @yeahbee8237
      @yeahbee8237 6 років тому

      I got to see Garth Hudson in a tribute to Levon, it was magical, can only imagine how it would have been seeing the The Band for real

    • @brentmcswain633
      @brentmcswain633 6 років тому

      I was at that show. Fantastic experience. And those horns really tore it up.

    • @brentmcswain633
      @brentmcswain633 6 років тому

      DontTreadOnMe IwontTreadOnYou My old ass don't really understand why it's being told to shut up...but respectfully young man, thanks for the response.

  • @handidrummed
    @handidrummed 10 років тому +6

    I was fortunate enough to get this DVD a few years ago before it went out of print. I didn't really know a whole lot about Levon, but this DVD changed my life from that day forward. I'm not a singing drummer, but his simplicity and musicality that he brings is something I aspire to.

  • @donf3739
    @donf3739 6 років тому +6

    The man was just a genius, in more ways than one. I just love that way he held the sticks most of the time, traditional grip, and left stick backwards. That has to be his trademark.

  • @bytoriasnowdoggy
    @bytoriasnowdoggy Рік тому +1

    Dig it! Thanks for posting... Mr. Levon Helm (R.I.P.)

  • @777bigbird
    @777bigbird Рік тому +2

    It was in his soul , he was part of all of it. I'm so glad I got a chance to play with him at Shaddens BBQ store during his filming of HWY 61. Humble and sincere. Loved him . Rip my friend

  • @aarond23
    @aarond23 8 років тому +9

    Its Sangin' when it comes to Levon! Legend!

  • @karltaylor4455
    @karltaylor4455 6 років тому +4

    Levon is the reason I became a singing drummer......He gave me confidence and possibilities RIP Mark Levon Helm

  • @debrakirkwood4787
    @debrakirkwood4787 6 років тому +12

    I am lucky to walk and talk at the same time.

  • @gordyn5292
    @gordyn5292 6 років тому +3

    Coolest fuckin' cat that ever lived. You are sorely missed Levon!!

  • @markroffe3967
    @markroffe3967 2 роки тому +2

    Man, I love his sangin'.

  • @jlbsr1959
    @jlbsr1959 11 років тому +4

    anymore? wow I learned somuch from Levon....my saddness, he's gone and I didnt pick up the drums until I was 52......god I wish I started sooner...thanks for a great post

  • @backachershomestead
    @backachershomestead Рік тому +3

    An absolutely amazing person. So much talent that we will never see in today's music.

  • @robbiewarren1946
    @robbiewarren1946 8 років тому +13

    my god it makes me incredibly sad that music isn't done like this anymore.levon helm and the rest of the gentleman in "the band" are truly masters of their craft and musician s today could stand to take a page from levon helms book. god bless you mr helm you truly were one of a kind and even though youre body has moved on your influence and soul will live on.

    • @PelleKuipers
      @PelleKuipers 2 роки тому

      I hope you've spent the last 5 years discovering all the great bands that do exist.

  • @jimfitzgerald6510
    @jimfitzgerald6510 6 років тому +6

    Tha battle is over but the war goes on. There was more soul in that voice and drum play than in 99% of all the music out there today.

  • @TheDonzim
    @TheDonzim 6 років тому +4

    Pure talent no Music theory school can't teach,love the explanation of how he accomplishes what he is trying to do. Born to play music,its that simple. One of the best!

  • @dannyherron9455
    @dannyherron9455 3 роки тому +3

    Wow, just Wow. An amazingly talented drummer, singer, and all around decent human being, gone too soon. Only The Good Die Young

  • @ShakingTwoTrees2012
    @ShakingTwoTrees2012 4 роки тому +3

    So humble and yet likely the most incredible singing drummer of all time!

  • @lucasquirino
    @lucasquirino 3 роки тому +3

    Levon was a genius! God bless.

  • @mcaddicts
    @mcaddicts 5 років тому +2

    Such a great drummer and his voice was so distinctive. Not too mention a very down to earth man.

  • @jamessholtz6016
    @jamessholtz6016 2 роки тому +2

    An American Icon.

  • @IggyM
    @IggyM 3 роки тому +1

    Its just that simple 😅
    Amazing to hear him describe how he approaches it after all these years, thanks for posting this

  • @blackfinjrblackfinjr3555
    @blackfinjrblackfinjr3555 Місяць тому +1

    I’ve never drummed in my life, but it looks hard as hell. I had to go watch some stuff from the Last waltz after watching this. Rest in Peace Levon Helm.

    • @daveyboy8907
      @daveyboy8907 Місяць тому +1

      He was awesome.Levon had soul and passion and that's what it takes to make real music.

  • @edwardpate6128
    @edwardpate6128 4 роки тому +3

    RIP Levon, still missing you down here!

  • @TorkG8
    @TorkG8 11 років тому +6

    You can just hear that "Band" sound ..even when Levon just drums on his own!

  • @fess04
    @fess04 10 років тому +3

    genius!!!!!!!!! that made me feel good......how many drummers can really get you feelin that way......genius.....pure genius

  • @drummercook60
    @drummercook60 7 років тому +5

    Levon, you are one talented dude, all natural baby!

  • @fing6966
    @fing6966 9 років тому +3

    What a great musician and a hell of a drummer. R.I.P

  • @MJROCKS4eva100
    @MJROCKS4eva100 10 років тому +36

    daa doo doo daa daa dooo

  • @DanJamesResonators
    @DanJamesResonators 10 років тому +1

    My two favorite drummers on this planet-Levon and Randy-Thanks guys

  • @johnsoltanas2647
    @johnsoltanas2647 7 років тому +1

    To answer your question Levon just kicks ass and continues to inspire people. Amazes me how it sounds with him playing a groove and singing a good melody and the song comes through strong.

  • @jimstone6071
    @jimstone6071 7 років тому +1

    I read where Levon said something very similar 40 years ago....and this has been they way I drummed my entire life......on e on the best of all time here folks,,I also met Mr helm in Nashville years later and ask him about this and he basically said the same thing..and he was a AWSOME man to take time with a 20 year old kid he helped me tremendously.....AWSOME man

  • @tonecenter1187
    @tonecenter1187 5 років тому

    humble, groovy af, full of creativity and joy. thank you levon!

  • @timekeeper46
    @timekeeper46 6 років тому +3

    Best online drum lesson ever............Thanks, Levon

  • @jameswhiteside1506
    @jameswhiteside1506 6 років тому +3

    And I can't even sing in the shower. Mr. Helm has to be one of the best . R.I.P.

  • @edwardharding8148
    @edwardharding8148 8 років тому +5

    Wow , I have always admired his simplicity and groove. One thing though, I would need to stabilize that wobbly snare stand! LOL

  • @bradlangton1549
    @bradlangton1549 4 роки тому +1

    A Great man and a great musician, you are surely missed, RIP Levon Helm

  • @theslavesofhabit6403
    @theslavesofhabit6403 7 років тому

    Amazing ! What a nice feel!!!

  • @BaldwinBay
    @BaldwinBay 5 років тому +1

    Inspirational. Great lyrics. The beat goes on Levon... Even when your gone... Levon the beat goes on...🥁

  • @antoni7515
    @antoni7515 10 років тому +3

    Soooooo much groove!!! Lol. How does he get that much groove in his drumming, as well as singing?! Theres only one Levon Helm!! thanks for uploading! :-)

  • @Lana-jj9lv
    @Lana-jj9lv Рік тому

    In complete love & awe of him to this very day!

  • @danitomacaroni
    @danitomacaroni 9 років тому

    Thanks a lot. This is fantastic.

  • @beanseff
    @beanseff 7 років тому +2

    levon was truly one of a kind!!!

  • @nelsonlugo45
    @nelsonlugo45 8 років тому +3

    LOVE FOR LEVON, Y'ALL

  • @davehaller6477
    @davehaller6477 4 роки тому +1

    Such a beautiful voice and a soulful drummer. You can'r replicate this with with a machine and why this music is superior than most of what is being made today.

  • @daveyboy8907
    @daveyboy8907 2 місяці тому

    Smooth as silk.Levons the man.

  • @joelmiddaugh8229
    @joelmiddaugh8229 5 років тому

    Such a charming little drummer and singer, one of a kind singer.

  • @gordonwest5505
    @gordonwest5505 4 роки тому +2

    I am smiling big time. Some people have a way. Love Levon.

  • @danieljulian4676
    @danieljulian4676 7 років тому +5

    The gen-you-wine art-tickle.

  • @Strokecity1
    @Strokecity1 5 років тому +2

    Levon = Genius! :)

  • @beboploo
    @beboploo 8 років тому +32

    take note kids

    • @JasonCleghorn1975
      @JasonCleghorn1975 8 років тому +10

      This. This is what musical genius looks like.

    • @TheKiller-yh3pi
      @TheKiller-yh3pi 8 років тому +3

      By God, It's gonna take more than one!We're talkin NOTES, here..

  • @aceofspades856
    @aceofspades856 5 років тому +2

    Rest in peace, Levon, you will be missed.

  • @PaisleyPatchouli
    @PaisleyPatchouli 11 місяців тому +1

    LEGEND!

  • @timryan2058
    @timryan2058 2 роки тому

    Hes so awesome!

  • @robin7771
    @robin7771 7 років тому

    Taking lessons from the master. I love this man.

  • @mattryan6886
    @mattryan6886 8 місяців тому

    RIP drumming legend Levon Helm. A true master of his craft.

  • @andrews9577
    @andrews9577 5 років тому +1

    I love Levon Helm. A master!

  • @lilbigmanrecords1708
    @lilbigmanrecords1708 10 місяців тому

    Funny I've watched him so much I learned this via observation but it's so rad to hear

  • @darrenreynolds5600
    @darrenreynolds5600 4 роки тому

    I could listen to him speak all day!

  • @Kedbuka
    @Kedbuka 11 років тому

    Love this man...what a treasure.

  • @homefront3162
    @homefront3162 4 роки тому

    Love this this dooooood

  • @6CrazyHorse
    @6CrazyHorse 7 років тому +1

    So much talent

  • @driftworks4age
    @driftworks4age 2 роки тому

    Speechless!!!!

  • @shanephillips1730
    @shanephillips1730 4 роки тому +1

    Three cords and the truth, with a back beat. Long live Levon.

  • @christopherbako
    @christopherbako 2 роки тому

    He was Amazing...drums and vocals.
    He also had Rock n Roll stories 💥

  •  4 роки тому

    what a lovely man, I miss him

  • @jimkobe64
    @jimkobe64 5 років тому +1

    I never learned anything as much as in the last 4 mins 52 seconds drum tutorial from Levon Helm!!!!

  • @mrt7954
    @mrt7954 5 років тому +1

    Legend...The Man

  • @rt09pachuau21
    @rt09pachuau21 7 років тому

    How he shifts his shoulders about is so cool.. Especially in that live performance of the song The Weight from The last waltz album.

  • @richardbuskill6977
    @richardbuskill6977 5 років тому +1

    He was an all-around musician one of the greats if not the greatest Love for Levon member of God's ultimate band

  • @DC-hd5bo
    @DC-hd5bo 9 років тому +1

    Levon was the man for sure

  • @BrohamAdam
    @BrohamAdam 9 років тому +1

    Amazing

  • @Nevernow721
    @Nevernow721 7 років тому +9

    "Honey you know, I'd die for you!" Sang it Levon.

  • @gregtaylor8327
    @gregtaylor8327 5 років тому

    Thanks Levon for 50 years of playin just for me. Or so it seems. Cripple Creek had me hooked from the first lick.

  • @1022rebelreddog
    @1022rebelreddog 7 років тому +1

    levon is such a funky drummer.. and solid too.

  • @leemorejacqueline
    @leemorejacqueline 7 місяців тому

    what a legend. the instinct is real ❤

  • @beatlelennon9168
    @beatlelennon9168 4 роки тому +1

    True legend levon.

  • @uzieric1
    @uzieric1 9 років тому +2

    As a drummer of 20 years I still find it very very difficult to sing and play like Levon does. Wish I could because it would be a whole new dimension of fun. But I just cant. Credit to a rock and American legend Mr. Helm.

    • @stkittsdave1
      @stkittsdave1 9 років тому

      uzieric1 I like to take my foot off the bass drum if I start to struggle while singing and playing--it means you sacrifice a bass drum stroke or two yes--but I find I keep better rhythm--which is the most important thing after all.

    • @paulhargreaves5467
      @paulhargreaves5467 6 років тому

      Jimmy barnes

    • @paulhargreaves5467
      @paulhargreaves5467 6 років тому

      @