Levon Helm passed away last Thursday at age 71.I have only become familiar with his music in the past few years. I’m sad that we’ve lost his musical gifts and regret that I never had a chance to see him perform. Others have already written eloquent tributes (such as this one), so let me just say that in a short time I became a big fan. I love the stories he told of everyday life and struggles that were set to music deeply rooted in American soil. I’ll miss his unique voice and the forceful role he played in performing and preserving American roots music. Helm grew up in the Arkansas Delta, never far from the Mississippi River. In his memory, here’s a song from the Mississippi River songlist.
Remembering Levon Helm
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About the Author: Dean Klinkenberg
Dean Klinkenberg, the Mississippi Valley Traveler, is on a mission to explore the rich history, diverse cultures, and varied ecosystems of the Mississippi River Valley, from the Headwaters in northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. He is the author of the Frank Dodge mysteries and several guidebooks for the Mississippi River.
