Levon Helm
I can’t even begin to get good words around how much this man’s voice and musicality meant to me, and how much his work colored my sense of American music. From West Helena, Arkansas to the world.
We’re now filming the last episode of the third season of Treme. In the original beat sheet for that episode, there is a story arc in which one of our characters performs with Helm and his band in Woodstock, at one of his legendary Midnight Rambles. Helm himself had conversations with one of our producers about the possibility. And having had the chance to attend one such Ramble in his barn there, I wanted it to happen badly. Those homemade concerts were pretty damn magical, and I relished the thought of using the drama to cast a little more light on Helm and what he meant to roots rock’n'roll.
A couple months ago, we got word that Helm had again stopped singing, and, too, we had exhausted a good chunk of our travel budget for the production. We published the script without the Levon Helm scene this week, but still hoped we’d get a chance to do it if we had the good fortune to get a fourth and concluding season for the drama. Then the news.
“Rag Mama Rag,” was the song we wanted. Helm on mandolin and vocals, Lucia Micarelli playing fiddle.
I love reading your articles, David Simon | Levon Helm has been added to my bookmarks in chrome.
In Newark last night, May 2nd, Bruce Springsteen pulled a sign out of the crowd that said “Play 1 for Levon – RIP”. Bruce then talked about Levon’s voice and how remarkable it was that he could sing so passionately while playing the drums. He then played for the first time ever a beautiful version of The Weight alone on acoustic guitar for the first verse and then his whole band joined in. It was a highlight of the whole show and really nice tribute to Mr. Helm. Already this morning, there are 4 or 5 copies of the song posted on YouTube, someone with Bruce’s whole heartfelt introduction. Check it out.
Will check it out, thx.
At jazzfest here in New Orleans, Springsteen brought Dr. John onstage and had the doctor take the lead on “Something You Got.” What was amusing, and a little charming, was how hard it was for Springsteen and the E Streeters to stop themselves from rushing the tempo. New Orleans R&B lives in that slow, second-line drag. That’s where the groove is. Took ‘em half the song to get comfortable and find the pocket, which Springsteen readily confessed afterward.
“Rag Mama Rag” is a fantastic song for the fiddle, one of my favorites. I’m very sorry this didn’t come to pass. R.I.P. Levon, ramble on in heaven.
I wonder if you might ever consider using The Band’s “Acadian Driftwood” on TREME. It is probably too slow and soft for background music, but it is a beautiful song about the migration and history of the Cajun people and the lyrics are quite appropriate for the themes of the series. “They signed a treaty and our homes were taken, loved ones forsaken, they didn’t give a damn…”
Or heck, just listen to it if you never have before. It’s great. Thorough historical breakdown here: http://theband.hiof.no/articles/acadian_driftwood_viney.html
What an amazing musician and person the world has lost. I was only fortunate enough to see Levon play once but as Mr. Simon stated, it was definitely magical. Sadly, the irony of my life is that a majority of musicians I admire have passed (some before I was conceived) and I will never have the chance to experience their craft live. I’m extremely grateful that I was able to see Levon tear down the barn that night and it’s a memory that will never fade. I have been listening to The Band on vinyl these past few weeks predominantly after a long day of work and it’s ability to make me forget even for a moment the struggle for survival never ceases to amaze me. You will be missed brother, I’ll catch you on the flipside.
If you pour some music on whatever’s wrong, it’ll sure help out. – Levon Helm
David if you’re reading this, I would like to share an amazing story about how I lived with Levon and his wife. Please get in touch when you can.
Sounds great, but I’m on set filming the last ep of Treme 3 right now. Buried in that. Forgive me.
The irony, of course, would have been that Levon would have been pissed that Robbie Robertson was getting performance royalties as the sole member of The Band with a songwriting credit.
Still would have loved to have seen it.
The man and his music live in my soul. I don’t remember feeling like this since we lost John Lennon.
I decided (rather late in life) to take keyboard lessons. The instructor asked me to bring an example of my favorite playing. That was a month ago. I took “rag, momma, rag’ It doesn’t come any better.
I have not been able to stop listening to “Big Pink”… well, ever… but in particular in light of his passing. A giant among men. Thank you for honoring him here.
I got a phone call from a health care worker in Helena once and said, “One of my favorite musicians is from there. You must know Levon Helm.” He said, yes, I’ve had a drink with him. But pretty much everyone around here could say that too.
I got to shake Levon’s hand once, saw him play many, many times, and always felt like he was a friend to everyone he met.
Damn, that would have been so cool. Love both of them. And it might have been a more obvious choice, but I would have gone with Evangeline.