This week, my husband and I were driving back from St. Louis, listening to random songs on his playlist. Levon Helm’s Dirt Farmer recordings popped up, and I was reminded of what a great musician he was.
For those who may not know, Levon Helm was a drummer and vocalist for the Band, highlighted on songs such as “Up on Cripple Creek” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” Helm grew up in Turkey Scratch, a community near Marvell, Arkansas, an upbringing that influenced his music as well as that of the Band.
Helm’s music career was quite extensive. While he is most known for being a member of the Band, from an early age he was involved in music and continued to be so until his death in 2012. His final CD Dirt Farmer, released in 2006, captures his upbringing in Arkansas and features traditional rural folk music. Two of my favorites are “Poor Old Dirt Farmer” and “Single Girl, Married Girl.” I’ve included links to YouTube recordings of those songs.
In 1998, Helm was diagnosed with throat cancer. While this affected his voice, his renditions of these songs, along with backup vocals by his daughter, Amy Helm, Teresa Williams, and other musicians are priceless.
I hope you enjoy the music as much as I do.
Karen T Miller 