In Memory 2012 Levon Helm

Levon Helm was actually born Mark Lavon Helm in 1940.He spent his early years in Arkansas in the U.S.and when he was around seventeen he played in small bars and clubs. He had several groups in the 1960s including Levon An The Hawks. When he had the Hawks he even toured with Bob Dylan.

The group later transformed into The Band and stayed with them until 1975. This group again recorded and worked with Dylan. Helm was also an accomplished actor and played in The Waltz in 1978. This film was actually based on a concert by The Band in 1976 that starred some huge stars including Ringo Starr and Jonie Mitchell.

The Band had several albums in the 1970s including Moondog Matinee, Rock Of Ages, and Cahoots with many tracks written by Robbie Robertson.

UK wise they had single hit in 1970 with Rag Mama Rag.    

   

Levon died from Cancer April 2012. A couple of days before he passed his website said.

"Dear Friends,

Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey.

Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration... he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage...

We appreciate all the love and support and concern.

From his daughter Amy, and wife Sandy"