Levon Helm, drummer and lead singer of The Band died today. He was 71. I watched the VCR of 'The Last Waltz' about a million times in my youth. It's truly one of the greatest rock performances ever captured on film. It was the final concert of the five man group.
Like CCR, The Band was one of those groups that I could enjoy with my father throughout our lives. They bridged the gap between rock and country with a signiature style all their own. The songs were easy to sing and harmonize with too.
May he pass peacefully, with loved ones at his side, an old dog at his feet, and a hint of whiskey on his breath. For that is a death befitting of a Southern gentlemen.
Countering the psychedelic trend that dominated the fractured music scene, they wrote and recorded songs steeped in old-time country, soul, R&B, '50s rock, gospel, blues and folk ballads — with lyrics that spoke of an older America.
Not only was Helm a talented musician but he was also a very good actor as was evident in his roles in 'The Right Stuff' and 'The Coal Miner's Daughter'.
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5 comments:
Very sad news. RIP Levon Helm.
My father and myself also both like the Band (and CCR). Some music is so great it bridges generations!
He'll be missed!
Nice tribute to Levon! I've been playing loads of Band songs tonight and wishing, as ever, that I could have had the chance to see them play live. Ah, well...
It's a very sad day, of course, but his music and The Band's will live on. And, if there is a heaven, I'm sure Levon's up there right now, raising a glass or two with Richard Manuel and Rick Danko...
Going to listen to Music from Big Pink now and feel sad.
Very nice tribute, hon.
xoRobyn
Good stuff Cal.
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