I was tipped off to the bad news of Levon Helms’ (71) turn for the worse by a tweet from Jason Isbell that read “I don’t know what to say.” and then had a link to levonhelm.com. I knew that the drummer of The Band and successful solo artist and man behind the “Ramble” had been battling throat cancer a few years back and it took him a lonh while to recover his voice, so I feared the worst. The message on his site confirmed my fears;
“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”
Hope and prayers are given from this fan to this rock/Americana music legend and fine man. I hope he finds comfort in this difficult time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDnlU6rPfwY
Feb./1974/ Ann Arbor MI/ Dylan and The Band-he was the engine that pulled the train– a night of musical perfection that woke me up — forever. Thank you Levon. From that night on every time I saw you, heard you, or heard your name mentioned- it made it a better day. Swing low sweet chariot. Swing low.
A lifetime of thanks.