Apropos my post from yesterday, sadly, what had been forecast has come to pass: the great Levon Helm has died.
Honestly, after what I’ve written about Levon already, and considering all of the remembrances and tributes out there on the internets and those to follow, there’s really not much more for me to add.
He was one of the greats, a HUGE influence on me, a voice that I will hear in my head and treasure in recordings for the rest of my life. For that, I feel tremendously grateful.
As has been widely noted, Levon was diagnosed with throat cancer in the late 1990s, losing his voice for a time, but then he came back with a vengeance, releasing two Grammy winning albums, touring, and collaborating with fellow music legends in the Midnight Ramble shows he hosted at his barn/studio in Woodstock, New York.
Having posted a video yesterday of Helm at the zenith of The Band’s career, I thought I’d choose something from his late comeback, to honor how vital and amazing he was until the bitter end.
Rest in peace, Levon. You’ll be missed.
Fish & Bicycles 
Very sad to hear the drummer and one of the best singers in Rock has died.
The film of their farewell concert “The Last Waltz” was one of the best concerts ever filmed.
R.I.;p.
Very sad, indeed.
Thanks for stopping by.
what’s disconcerting (aside from his untimely passing) is that he was only 71. he looked so much older. the effects of cancer, i suppose, or the visage of an old soul…
cancer vs. old soul?
A little of both, I think.
Of course, the way you’re going, looking closer to 40 than the 50 you are, you’ll probably still look 50 when you’re 71.