In honor of Levon Helm, who has sadly passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with throat cancer, we've compiled this tribute playlist featuring songs with Helm's soulfully gritty vocals at the forefront. From his days as the backbone of The Band to the last few years that centered around his Midnight Ramble experiences in Woodstock, NY, Helm made timeless music steeped in American traditions for over four decades. Of course it's sad to see him go, but after putting so much of himself into the music for so long, we know he won't be forgotten.
His wife Sandy and daughter Amy have recently said on his website (http://levonhelm.com/):
"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..."
Yes he did. He's put more heart and energy into single hi-hat hits than some people expend over the course of an entire music career, leaving behind enough joy and celebration to last us all another lifetime. For that, we thank him. And we'll remember this son-of-a-cotton-farmer by joining in on another foot-stomping, barn-burning good time.
RIP, Levon. You'll be missed.
(For more information about the tracks below, click on the links in the Related Concerts box.)