"Anna Lee" - Levon Helm 2011 Ramble at the Ryman Live HD

[@pac401]

His voice at this stage of his life was perfect for this song. You can hear the pain of the song. Just beautiful. Safe passage, Levon. Thank you for your life.

[@tobyhorn9641]

This was my granny's name God damnit I miss her 💖😭

[@cereal_thinker]

You can tell he's a geeat technical singer and really putting everything into it to still be at that level.

[@sonyaweinreis6530]

Best man ever! What a career 😊

[@danreilly2792]

Levon and Danko were the heart of the band!

[@gaildavis2291]

That was a great tribute to our dear Levon. Thank you.

[@nateherman8804]

What is so incredible about Levon is how his singing bridges generations and musical genres. This is Americana past and present. Levon is such a vital part of our American musical history.

[@michaelemilio3146]

Very well said.

[@Bascomblodge]

Levon, One of the great soul singers of all time. He came back to his roots as he got older. His roots were what gave The Band its soul.

[@mccurryburg]

yeah, and Robbie's songs

[@seansturgill4869]

@@mccurryburg You seriously buy that Robbie wrote all those songs by himself? Consider this: after The Band, Robbie released solo albums where the songs were garbage and nothing even resembling the Americana style that The Band produced. For him to take full credit in a band where no one was supposed to be considered the lead of anything was shady. I'm not saying he couldn't create great progressions. I'm not saying he isn't a wonderful guitarist. But I will never buy that he wrote songs of America's South with such depth of character and layers of southern knowledge without the input of Levon (the only American member of The Band and literally from the hills of Arkansas.)

[@mccurryburg]

@@seansturgill4869 whatever

[@tommylainhart2884]

B

[@mljones655]

I had an 8 track of The Band, and I'd just let it play for hours!

[@cajunmandick2985]

As a Southerner Im so glad to be from the part if the US that produced this music, thank you Lord!.

[@ciscoley]

With tears running down my cheeks, I am looking up to Heaven and trying my best to smile. I am 56 yrs. old and heartbroken for this loss. One of my many "Heros" but not just any one of them..This was Levon! A very important factor in the style of music I sing and play today is because of This Man....Truly Missed....Till we meet again....."Put The Load Right On Me"

[@brentmcswain633]

Saw Levon at The Barn once, and on the road a couple times. Never saw a dude smile so much and play with any more joy, as he did in his later years.

[@seanbraun4067]

“The world ain’t what it seems is it gunny” You were one of a kind Levon. Your music will always live on.

[@johnboy5235]

Amen God Bless his existence!, Forever more

[@scottydavis1813]

I love him in that movie

[@evelynovercash1147]

That fiddle, oh, my. This soulful tune is hard for me to listen to sometimes. The melody haunts me for days.

[@thomasweldon8935]

reminds one of the skirl of the pipes, doesn't it ?

[@justjoshin2825]

Nothing more haunting like minor keys on a fiddle

[@buckfan1969]

Scrolling through the comments it's so wonderful to see so many people Levon touched with his music and his basic goodness. The only artist I can remember whose death generated such an outpouring of love, respect, sadness, and admiration in the last 50 years has been John Lennon. I hope Levon realized how many people out there truly loved his music and admired him as a person. He was always my favorite member of The Band, but the years since then showed a fuller side of Levon. A great, great musician and an even better man.

[@GumperVanLier]

Thanks for this link. Wow, this was good.

[@thehoundz1]

Levon is a very deep part of many of hearts

[@tylercurtis6728]

A tremendous soul. Never a picture of him without a smile. He is assuredly smiling down upon us!

[@dietmarwolf79]

buckfan1969. I am a 71 year old boy but I weep when I hear him singing and playing. RIP, dear friend.

[@kathycarter7396]

buckfan1969 SO agree with your sentiments discribing Levon. You paid well deserved tribute.

[@mpearson1987]

As soon as Larry Campbell pulls bow across strings you know you're in for something special. An epic performance by one of the greats. Levon did some of his best work in his last years. God bless you for the music you shared with us.

[@skipacuff5104]

Awesome. Levon had staggering talent.

[@shatterstar8733]

Being from the smoky mountains in TN his voice really moves me. It reminds me of all the men I grew up around like my dad and grandpa's. Ole bluegrass and blues touches the soul! I'm so thankful men and artist of such talent and character like Mr. helm have graced this earth.

[@manbunnmcfanypakjustacoolg4965]

He was a real deal southern gentleman. This touches the soul.

[@brentcowan5957]

I live in Morristown. Sounds just like a Sunday Morning gospel sound, but Levon made it to the big leagues.

[@sifwalkerartorias1811]

I lived in Pigeon Forge the first 30 years of my life. We might know each other lol

[@rottweiler442]

It's not for me to say if it gets any better than this, but I can say if it does, I'm probably not worthy of hearing it. Perfection.

[@gaildavis2291]

Awww.

[@mellwood1987]

ARKANSAS -Thank You Levon for your Great Music, You Enriched America with your Gentle ways and the Soul you put into all your songs...RIP...

[@ShiftyMagoo76]

+Randy Beard Johnny Cash, Al Green.....yeah. Thank you for recognizing our little state.

[@gregoryprusak8130]

Oh man, this Jersey boy thanks Arkansas, these three are a hard act to follow, Country, Country Rock, & Soul. I am not much for Country, but what else can you say about Johnny, except much respect. A warm spot here for Levon, that made The Band's sound truly American. And to me I save the best for last, as no one has the Soul that Al Green has.

[@leonardpark7186]

@@ShiftyMagoo76 you forget Glenn Campbell?

[@nRoy70]

Just a violin and three voices and they make it sound so full and rich. Amazing.

[@larryhecksher7175]

fiddle

[@mpearson1987]

If you hear the words he sings, it takes your breathe. It calls memories of my grandmother and my mom singing to me when I was a child. The best of what Levon gave to us. Thanks Levon, for everything.

[@danreilly2792]

His voice is so enduring, soulful. Priceless!

[@KevinGarelick]

If there was anyone I thought could live forever, it would be Levon. RIP.

[@pararigger64]

Yep. Always thought he would outlive Keith Richards by 1 day

[@maddogwrestlingfan]

Levon thank you for leaving us that song.. I never had a song break my heart.. This one did... Beautiful..

[@clintdyer9068]

Joe W. Best song ever. !!!

[@judymcvey9005]

Such a unique voice....perfect for this song! Loved you Levon!

[@donotresussitate]

Real music can sometimes give you a chill down your spine. Awesome!

[@jaredchamlee4330]

What a great entertainer. Loved him for years.

[@people_watcher]

I felt that donotresussitate

[@LutherAmosHouse]

I’ve listened to this man most of my life, in one band or another. When I first he’s song so many years ago, I was shook to my core. It took about 10 listens before tears stopped falling. It’s a song about the loss of a mother, everyone has a mother, so it hits one hard. My own mother almost died last year, it had been a while since I heard this, the day after her widow maker heart attack, this popped up in my recommends for a listen… it was like the universe( God, karma) was preparing me for a tragedy. Luckily she escaped death, but I still get a little shook listening to this masterpiece. I would also tell folks, his daughter Amy Helm does a very lovely version of this as well, she’s the younger lady singing back up on this to the right of Levon.

[@johnnierotten5161]

Levon gives me so much inspiration.....Know matter how dark and dreary my day could be his voice and passion for life always gives me a lift to keep fighting the fight.My personal"HERO"!!!!! Levon never gets old.Not only one the finest to reach the stage but a true humanitarian.Much love for Levon.

[@drumpuppet62]

Levons last 2 albums are pure fire. Its amazing he never wrote any songs for the Band :)

[@mightymartianca]

Levon always stood for a timeless kind of music, and so he has become timeless in turn.

[@philhashey2996]

Levon is American music!

[@cjrebouche]

this is my favorite song he's ever done. fighting back tears every time i watch. can't believe we're about to lose such a wonderful musician and human being.

[@brettbakerthe]

One of the greatest recordings of all time.

[@aroldfut]

We are surrounded by a generation that will never discover or understand the contribution of a Levon Helm because they don't see beyond an IPHONE screen. God help us.

[@davepowell6462]

This captures a centuries worth of music contribution ... Thanks Levon!

[@joslynkaufman975]

In my young years and inexperience I somehow know and feel deep in my heart and soul that Levon has reached further than most artists, and stayed even more truer. Thank you for blessing us Levon!

[@jimcozza7425]

My greatest privilege was working for this MAN !!!!

[@mikesides617]

Man. Levon Helm was to American Music what Einstein was to Physics.

[@s.kasbashian9969]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, the harmony is right on!!!!!!!! Miss you LEVON!

[@bradgbrown]

I was lucky enough to be a part of the original production of 'Brother Wolf', the play that this came from...a beautiful song written by Laurelyn Dossett, and this is such an awesome version.

[@nllleonard]

I was there. He was amazing. His soul shining through.

[@jardavenport]

Great song... I love how Levon and Amy look at each other after the song is over...... RIP

[@cherylsurwillo914]

He touched the hearts of millions. Truly missed.

[@JohnDavis-lb3js]

Gracious what a blessing Levon was. There was absolutely nothing blocking the connection between his heart and his voice.

[@danreilly2792]

Unfortunately we lost him and his iconic voice!

[@staglake2012]

I love this song! Levon sings it with such passion, he puts everything into it, God bless him.

[@TheMuudcat]

Not many can bring tears to my eyes, this did it, I'll miss your beauty and creative spirit but will go on to the generations in your songs. A true master

[@davepowell6462]

A full education to this generation of what music should be ....

[@kimlong5426]

amen!

[@JohnDoe-zs6gj]

I only recently discovered Levon's music. I was listening to the Dirt Farmer album the first time making long rounds in the tractor (very fitting, I know), and I loved every song in the album. However, this was the only song that legitimately brought tears to my eyes. Such a haunting, beautiful harmony and story. Wish I could have enjoyed his work when he was still around, and maybe seen him play.

[@bryangarrett26]

Crying my eyes out. Rip buddy. May heaven be filled with your songs and may the charisma you shared here on earth remain in the thoughts of all of your fans.You will be missed. We love you Levon

[@tommyallen8629]

One of the greatest musicians ever! RIP Levon.

[@curtisskowaisa972]

I am Canadian !!! I am so glad this man came along to make 3 other Canadians famous !!!! His voice is amazing !!! THANK YOU MR HELM !!!

[@juicedeemenacingbandit6695]

the only song to date that has ever put a tear to my eye. RIP Levon Helm.

[@DerekLewisSuperStar]

EVERY time I hear him sing, I hear the soul of some one who had "it", the incredible, magical, spiritual, and ultimately undefinable "it". One of the great things in this world is that through his voice I will always be able to hear "it". Thank you for that, Levon. Always.

[@reach4464]

. I would like to thank Levon for all of the treasures he left behind in the form of his music, movies, and life. I never met him, but I miss him.

[@Wairoakid]

Tears roll down my cheeks everytime...................................... Laurenlyn Dossett, the writer of the song wrote an article in 2012 about writing the song and about her watching this very performance by Levon ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Listen now children, a story I'll tell..." It seemed a good start: I needed to write an 18th-century death ballad, and I needed to do it fast. The writer Preston Lane and I were about to go into the rehearsals of our first Appalachian play, Brother Wolf. He had added a scene and suggested a lullaby's accompaniment, but I heard something darker. I needed a name for my character, so I began with Rosalie, after my great-grandmother, who had been known for her singing. The name worked well, with the syllables rolling musically. But Rosalie is the name of one of my three daughters, and it seemed a bad idea to drown the kid in a ballad. I cast about for alternatives for a few minutes before landing on the similarly lyrical Anna Lee. I finished the song while sitting in carpool lines at my daughters' schools one afternoon. "...of a woman they called Anna Lee." Six months later, I was in New York for readings with the cast of Brother Wolf. Anna Lee now had a tender role in the play. During a break, the multi-instrumentalist and Bob Dylan sideman Larry Campbell found me and the show's fiddler, Riley Baugus, tuning our instruments in the stairwell. "Who wrote the Anna Lee song?" he asked enthusiastically. "I am making a record with Levon Helm. Anna Lee is his old friend from ArkansasAnna Lee of 'The Weight.' It would be cool to bring her full circle on this record. Can I take the song to Levon?" And that is how Miss Anna Lee introduced me to Levon Helm. The introduction induced fortunate incidentstrips to Levon's famous Midnight Ramble in Woodstock; a Grammy for Levon's Anna Lee-inclusive album Dirt Farmer; a memorable night of Levon and his friends in Nashville, dubbed "The Ramble at the Ryman." Every time I saw Levon he asked about my children, teasing my husband to get me back home so I could keep writing songs. Before the Ramble at the Ryman concert, I got to meet the real Anna Lee Amsden in Nashville; she was none too thrilled about being drown in a song and didn't mind telling me so. Still, that evening, I sat in the pews of the Ryman with my playwriting partner, Preston Lane. We listened, spellbound as Levon sang with an angel bandhis daughter, Amy Helm, and Larry's wife, Teresa Williams, singing harmony. Larry played the fiddle. They sang my words like a prayer, with Levon's voice pulling every ounce of emotion from each note, each phrase. "I'll return to you dear, in the dimming of day As the sparrow returns to her nest." There was I time when I sang to my children constantly; I was their singer, free to sing them to sleep or into calm, whenever they needed it. As I was writing, I foolishly wondered if when they are old and I am gone, as Levon is nowthey would remember the voice that sang their lullabies. As it turns out, there are some voices we can never forget, voices that work their way into our hearts, brains and bones. And so I remember Levon, singing. Anna Lee has indeed come full circle. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[@jeannie1renee2]

My mother sang to me from the time I was a baby. I could never forget that voice. She had a beautiful voice and was always singing around the house. She sang at church, at weddings and at funerals. There was always music in our house. Besides my faith, it is one of the most precious things my parents gave me.

[@colinbryan8265]

Back in the 50/60’s Brian and I saw him many times with Ronnie Hawkins at Le Coc D’or on Yonge st Toronto. Great day’s.

[@MichaelSSmith-hs5pw]

Levon Helm was a god here in NW Arkansas!🎶🎵💕

[@MontanaErik]

Has anyone ever put more of their heart into a song than Levon?

[@raybradhausen]

His voice belongs to the wind. A solid wind mass of soul that carries with it the soil every American has trod upon. He will be missed.

[@bcb912]

You are sorely missed Levon. Thanks for the background music to my life!

[@mickey2600]

He was Even More of The Man Than He Appeared to Be, And I Was Blessed To Have Known Him At All !!!

[@comet1954]

You know, if Country Music was really like this...Oh, never mind...

[@russwade562]

If I ever have a son his first name will be Levon that's how much I think of this great man and musician...

[@91Kingscrib84]

Mere months before he'd lose his battle with throat cancer. I hope people realize what a catalyst for music that influenced the late 60s & 70s, Levon Helm was. He was the glue that held The Band together during the tough days. A kind man. A good man. A musician.

[@drmmlm1]

Levon was the best he took me back to the years of my youth and the music that filled the hillcs and woods of northern Canada thank you.

[@victorrodea7163]

Stumbled on to this wonderful tune and Mr Levon Helm. I think I'll work on being a better human, go to heaven and listen to him serenade the angels and watch them weep.

[@jfredknobloch]

...a stunning young man from Arkansas who soothed and beguiled everyone in his magical and mystical self. God rest you, Levon. Peace forever now.

[@danreilly2792]

Timeless! Soulful singing

[@jacobturner1276]

This gives me the damn chills every time.

[@tobyhorn9641]

This was my granny's name and I God dam miss her 😭😭😭😭

[@clem0822]

What a beautiful song, and great vocal. RIP Levon

[@ahibben1]

I'm a grown ass man, and this makes me want to cry like a baby.

[@mosslimbater]

A wonderful musician and a caring thoughtful human being. This world is a lesser place now with the passing of Levon Helm.

[@cabdvc9801]

Levon Helm R.I.P. We barely knew you. I love you music and your movies. One the greats, both for fame and unsung fame.

[@audioengineer77]

Good journeys, sir! May we all see you again in the great hereafter!

[@Bubbacat54]

Oh, sweet Jesus, this is too good for any words I could manage. I have loved Levon and the boys in the Band since I was a young man, and this is as good as anything they did. ps still miss dear Rick and Richard. RIP you two.

[@wallysmomable]

we were so lucky to see him at the rambles.....happy birthday Barbara

[@michealdaye4551]

Levon and Roy Acuff together. Sing gospel together. WOULD BE HEAVEN ON EARTH.

[@danielray8286]

Wow!!! So Beautiful! The world lost a legend when the Lord called ol Levon home!

[@andychristensen2947]

I've watched this particular clip several times since Levon passed. I think every time i've ended up with tears streaming down my face. Every. Damned. Time.

[@wesleylane4041]

I saw his daughter sing this song at a church in Martha's vineyard I couldn't afford the ticket but the double doors were open and she could see dancing and singing along and she said on the mic now that boy outside is having a great time and I looked up and screamed hell ya long live levon and she said back correction let's make him have a great time I still tear up thinking bout that Long Live Levon thank you miss helm I'll never forget that may you procede may you keep on keeping on like your pops did love u and thank you

[@NicKensington]

I love this man

[@pararigger64]

I am as punk rock as they come. That being said... Levon is the best of all time.

[@oldindian]

Somewhere just over in that Spirit world there is a mighty jam session going on, not a month has passed since Earl Scruggs went before our good brother Levon. Peace Levon and thank you for the many years of hearing your soul soar through your music.

[@ruisilva5016]

From time to time I return to this song looking for balance. The voice of Mother Earth is calling.

[@chrishodgson1815]

Love this music, as an Englishman sitting listening to this I am minded of the folk music of the north of England , also out into the Scottish Islands, perhaps that is the root of this style of music. Doesn't really matter where it comes from, it is so utterly beautiful.

[@DooDahMan1979]

So glad I got to see Levon perform back in 94. Never another like him.

[@bruinsfan8278]

Made me cry, just a little, miss you Levon

[@RedhawkRacing]

You brough me alotta smiles, stayed buzzed/drunk to your music back in the day. I wish I could give ya one smile back for all you gave me. Im pray you didnt suffer during your last days and that they have a real nice drum kit waiting for you on the other side...thanks for the good memories and tunes, Levon Helm.

[@727keekee]

His voice in this song will bring one to his knees and talk to the man upstairs. God blessed us with him while he was here on earth and we all will see him again one day....

[@donbut66]

The man lived for his passion! Music. R.I.P. Levon.

[@BradYaeger]

Theres no great loss here, no reason to be sad, that's for when a child passes away. Levon was a content and productive Man well up until his passing. He left a permanent mark on our society and a musical legacy we can all enjoy as long as we live. Lets all celebrate that, and strive to do likewise in our own way, be it by song, story, or the raising of your kids. Make a mark and pass on contently . I mean no disrespect by these words, just the opposite. Leave your mark , and go easy...

[@eddycresap2153]

levon will lve forever through his music

[@MrForddent]

RIP Levon. You are one of the greatest!

[@LutherAmosHouse]

Been here before...Helm was/is one of the 🐐

[@Bubbacat54]

I did have a good old cry when Levon passed. Only cos I grew up with him and the boys in the Band. Now its all about happy memories. A master, a gentleman and an Angel. The very best.

[@charlesbraun8867]

Started listening far to late. Thank god i have all of this this to listen to at my fingertips

[@brendahenderson2755]

RIParadise, Levon… you and your brothers give me much pleasure listening to you

[@markdavies8675]

never forget this guy. total roots. lets hope these songs are always remembered and sung with love n passion.

[@garygerow4822]

Wow, so soulful,in my ears right to the heart and soul.Thankyou God for Levon!!!!Thanksw for posting this . God Bless

[@MaraschinoChary]

Levon, Rest in peace, sweet man....you will be forever missed.

[@NativePulseLLC]

Levons music makes me cry. I feel so much love soul and Spirit in every note. What he has left us will live forever.

[@jungleruckusproductions3251]

goosebumps every time I listen to this one..

[@DocTatum1]

We all have been blessed by Levon Helm as he passed through on his way to glory.