In Memoriam-Levon Helm

       The great Levon Helm, drummer and singer for The Band, passed away today at the age of 71. Mr. Helm was also an accomplised actor, probably best remembered for his portrayal of Loretta Lynn's father in Coal Miner's Daughter.

        I was fortunate to see Mr. Helm perform in the first incarnation of Ringo Starr's All Starr Band back in 1989. He performed such classic Band songs as Up on Cripple Creek and The Weight. He also played The Shape I'm In which was sung by fellow All Starr Rick Danko who was also one of Levon's Band mates. If that wasn't enough, he played alongside 4 other great drummers during that show: Ringo Starr, Jim Keltner, Zak Starkey and Max Weinberg. I imagine they felt pretty lucky too.
        My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, and i wish him much peace. Take a load off.