Levon Helm

Holy Cow:
I know this is far from a fishing site but to me music and love go hand and hand with fishing..
Something today told me to turn the radio on , WDST of course, for the ride home.. I never listen to the radio.. Well they were playing a bunch of Levon and folks who number in many, songs connecting to him.. It was just a sweet ride home..
Until I read this and went to his site..

Sad news indeed..
My memories of a great person:
I met Levon somewhere around 1984.. I had seen the band play many times previous but this was my first face to face.. A very humble person and always willing to talk.. While he lived only 20 mins away we never hung out but always seemed to meet in passing.. The circle around here is and was great, Rory Block, Jorma Kaukonen along with Danko, Jim Weider & Hudson are (were) locals..
Times changed for me and my family took over so things slipped away while their already careers expanded..
It had been almost 10 years until my next hand shake with Mr. Helm in 1994 on the south stage of Woodstock 1994.. I was invited backstage by long time manager of Jorma before the all star gala took stage not once but twice that day.. No Rain, No Rain..
In awe I had no clue of what presence I would be in.. Bob Weir, Rob Wasserman, Bruce Hornsby, The Band,Roger McGuinn, Mr. Wavy and of course Jorma & Jack.. Oops, almost forgot Salt & Pepper..
That was a great time that ended all to soon as the guys had to board busses to depart after the show.. Still a huge highlight in my life..

Moving forward , Levon had throat surgery and once well enough to hit the skins started doing weekly Weds night gigs at the little in-famous bar called Joyous Lake.. He had is daughter Amy out front and called themselves the Barn Burnners.. Fitting huh..
They SMOKED... $10.00 cover to get in and Toni & Myself did not miss a week.. It was the best of times for sure seeing and greeting Levon back to the stage.. He did not sing but played those blues with passion..
That lasted all summer then Mr. Helm was ready to hit the road to bring back the Spark of The Band.. He Did !! The Old voice came to life and one I'll surly miss..

You'll always live on through your music and passion toward people .. I hope to once again shake your hand.. Be Well in the Music Heavens..

Im definitely a lot younger than you guys but ive always had a broad appreciation for music. Ive never really been one to collect albums or anything like that but i will say that ive always had a great appreciation for levon helm.
A friend of mine had some live dylan songs on his i pod a few years back and hed play them at work. It was probably the most enjoyable dylan ive ever heard and of course "the band" was playing behind him. Being a drummer myself, i believe its not how intricate or technical one can play that makes them a great player; its more so the sound and the feel that one portrays while they play. Levon definitely had the touch. Its a shame to see him go.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtNCHbePdUE&feature=g-upl&context=G2ec8821AUAAAAAAAAAA

Here is my video of "Deep Elem Blues" from the Gathering of the Vibes, Bridgeport, CT. last summer. (gerry0021)

Charlie,I voted for her 3 times,I don't want to see a repeat of last week.I also gave the cute little blond one vote,she has a great voice also.Jessica is totally awesome,she is as good or better than most of the pros and she is only 16.I have no idea how she generates that voice out of that little body.Win or lose we will hear from her soon,but then there are several that could go on to a career in singing.

Sorry I didn't have a step ladder or had grown atleast a foot taller. Hotter than the blazes that day, had to be close to 100 degrees. However, it didn't deter from enjoying the great music.

Good for you Trout. Peace.