Who Is Levon Helm? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Levon Helm, born on May 26, 1940, in Elaine, Arkansas, was a prominent figure in American music until his passing in 2012. Known primarily as the drummer and one of the lead vocalists of the influential rock group The Band, Helm's unique blend of rock, country, and blues made him a beloved figure in the music industry. His life story is not just about his musical achievements but also his personal experiences that shaped his career.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 26, 1940 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Birth Place | Elaine, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 19 April, 2012 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Levon Helm's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Levon Helm stood at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall, with a weight fluctuating around 160 lbs (73 kg) during his active years. Helm was known for his charismatic stage presence, contributing to his memorable performances over the decades.
Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm (May 26, 1940 – April 19, 2012) was an American musician who achieved fame as the drummer and one of the three lead vocalists for The Band, for which he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
Helm was known for his deeply soulful, country-accented voice, multi-instrumental ability, and creative drumming style, highlighted on many of the Band's recordings, such as "The Weight", "Up on Cripple Creek", and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Levon Helm was married to Sandy Helm from 1961 until their divorce in 1982. They had two daughters, Amy and Jessica Helm, whom he remained close to throughout his life. Helm's family played a significant role in his life, and his relationships with them were often reflected in his music. After his marriage, there is no widely known information about a romantic partner or girlfriend.
Helm also had a successful career as a film actor, appearing as Loretta Lynn's father in Coal Miner's Daughter (1980), as Chuck Yeager's friend and colleague Captain Jack Ridley in The Right Stuff (1983), Laura Dern's father in Smooth Talk (1985), as a Tennessee firearms expert in Shooter (2007), and as General John Bell Hood in In the Electric Mist (2009).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Levon Helm had an estimated net worth of $8 million. His wealth came from his long-standing career in music, including profits from album sales, concert tours, and his involvement in movies. While specific salary details are not disclosed, Helm's consistent involvement in both music and cinematography contributed significantly to his financial status.
After the Hawks toured Europe with Dylan, they followed him back to the U.S., remaining under salary, and settled near Dylan's home in Woodstock, New York.
The Hawks recorded a large number of demonstration and practice tapes in nearby West Saugerties, New York, playing almost daily with Dylan, who had completely withdrawn from public life following a motorcycle accident in July 1966. These recordings were widely bootlegged and were partially released officially in 1975 as The Basement Tapes.
The songs and themes developed during this period played a crucial role in the group's future direction and style. The Hawks also began writing their own songs, with Danko and Manuel also sharing writing credits with Dylan on a few songs.
Career, Business, and Investments
Levon Helm's career began in the late 1950s, soon leading to the formation of The Band in the 1960s. They released classic albums like "Music from Big Pink" and "The Last Waltz," which combined rock, folk, and blues genres. In addition to his work with The Band, Helm had a successful solo career and collaborated with numerous artists across different genres.
During the 1980s, Helm ventured into acting, appearing in films and television shows, further demonstrating his versatility. He owned a recording studio called "The Barn" in Woodstock, New York, where he produced music and hosted concerts, showcasing his love for live performances. Helm’s investments in this studio and his ventures into other artistic collaborations reflect his commitment to his craft.
Helm's performance career in the 2000s revolved mainly around the Midnight Ramble at his home and studio, "The Barn", in Woodstock, New York. These concerts, featuring Helm and various musical guests, allowed him to raise money for his medical bills and to resume performing after a bout with cancer that nearly ended his career.
Initially, Helm only played drums and relied on guest vocalists at the Rambles, but eventually his singing voice grew stronger. On January 10, 2004, he sang again at his Ramble sessions. In 2007, during production of Dirt Farmer, Helm estimated that his singing voice was 80% recovered.
Social Network
Although Levon Helm passed away in 2012, he left a legacy that continues to resonate in the music community. His official social media accounts are managed by his family and estate, keeping his spirit alive through updates about his music and ongoing tributes from fans. Followers can connect with his fans on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where nostalgic memories and tributes are often shared, celebrating his contribution to music.
A key early influence on Helm was Sonny Boy Williamson II, who played electric blues and early R&B on the King Biscuit Time radio show on KFFA in Helena and performed regularly in Marvell with blues guitarist Robert Lockwood, Jr.
In his 1993 autobiography, This Wheel's on Fire: Levon Helm and the Story of the Band, Helm describes watching Williamson's drummer, James "Peck" Curtis, intently during a live performance in the early 1950s and later imitating this R&B drumming style. Helm established his first band, the Jungle Bush Beaters, while in high school.
Education
Helm's education was primarily rooted in his love for music rather than formal training. Growing up in Arkansas, he was influenced by the rich musical culture around him. His early exposure to Southern music genres shaped his unique sound and style that he carried into his professional career. Though there are no records of him attending a specific music school, his life experiences served as his greatest teacher.
