"Deep Elem Blues" with Levon Helm & His Dirt Farmer Quartet at 2011 Americana Awards Nominee Event

Deep Elem Blues. Americana Honors & Awards Nominee Event, Gibson Showroom, NYC May 2011.
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[@sm-ev8ld]

One thing that strikes me about Levon - every single time you see him playing, he looks like an excited small boy to be on stage singing/drumming/playing. So talented and yet so humble. RIP.

[@williamdillard4291]

What a great observation

[@giovanna722]

His first connection with music was for the fun of it, and he never lost it.

[@m.c.master4622]

A beautiful soul and great musician.

[@MalquiLans]

I've got it myself & will have it till I also get to the RIP part. You might understand that some of us have no choice & whether anybody gets the chance to hear any of us humble boys is not really in our control if we don't do the "business" part of it. I'm glad we all got to hear this guy :) Me, I will always be the small boy on stage as I wasn't very tall to start with! ;)

[@ajsmusic2561]

It's is teeth. The tops are forward, like a beaver, so he is always smiling. Kind of cool...

[@Deepriver100]

Is there some kinda way I can give this two likes?

[@steeleye59]

I'll add one for you.

[@mailander2911]

Me too!

[@fredlibby8518]

2

[@donalddingler1263]

My dad played this song when I was younger, he was a good flat picker did a great cover on this song. RIP Dad.

[@robsten5387]

Larry Campbell, your guitar playing is so damn good, I keep listening and never get tired

[@sailorjohn8426]

Why did it take me 9 years to find this pure gem!!!!!? Beautiful

[@gregpalermo3861]

No kidding. I wish i could live about 65 more years so i can listen to this great music i never knew exitsed.

[@stanleydubroca2626]

Patience Grasshopper

[@Baci302]

Larry Campbell! This is the best version of this song I've heard.

[@bernardcrocker9733]

I can’t stop coming back to hear and feel this over and over.

[@ajsmusic2561]

Go take a nap...

[@randyfinckbone4521]

Finally an "Addiction" I can get onboard with

[@richhillyer3448]

I don't get tired of it- yet

[@larryholloway6899]

I just love this song and the looks on the faces of the players, doing what they love with the man they love, Levon Helm, "The Man". Larry Campbell's picking on this is special!

[@davec7759]

Found this accidentally last week. How could anyone give it a thumbs down? Absolute magic!!

[@dragmyre]

the problem with this is that there is no problem. it just caint get any better, thanks 4 posting. still can't get over it. best version. music to my ears.

[@torvilasulvstle362]

Love it!

[@johncarol548]

Takes me back to the 80s only we needed $200 to get outta jail then.. Always had $500 total for good times and wild women..

[@Karmakatt6]

Absolutely.. and knowing how much respect everyone had for Lavon (his real spelling) makes it even sweeter!!

[@captainmoretokin2172]

close your eyes,,,, picture yourself sitting outside a cabin on the porch with your friends sipping some honeysuckle shine , swapping stories. a gentle wind flows across the hairs on your arm. the music is in your blood. the same blood as your earthly brothers. no words need be said, and this song follows that gentle breeze.and time slows down to cherish every second as if it was your last. feels good, dont it? your welcome here anytime, no judging anything, letting your souls blend together. happy, content. heaven on earth. that is how i paint my picture

[@dansharpe8908]

well done Im 76,play every day for 44 yrs.Thank you,it was a pleasure.

[@johncardell2024]

One of the best pickers and singers to ever grace a stage. Fantastic! 🎶🤗🎵

[@jryan2313]

Larry Campbell is a great musician and a great guy, that’s why Levon worked with him!

[@SJ21608]

Levons birthday ought to be a national holiday.

[@ztahs]

Amen to that!

[@richiep109]

wooooooow sweet Mama; Daddy got them DEEP Elem Blues!

[@300reimer]

Well then let's just do that. May 26th, I believe.

[@alanstannard1820]

Amen brother

[@stevechapman3000]

Or at least a Arkansas state holiday

[@applejo1226]

Larry Campbell is one of the most talented unknown musicians around.

[@giovanna722]

Yes, first time listening to him. Great feel on the guitar and voice!

[@tomcarlton654]

Love me some larry campbell and miss levon too.

[@Scottie1023]

Couldn't agree more. Saw him play with Shawn Colvin in Boulder in '17. What a show!

[@semmcstevenson]

He’s not unknown tho. Has a killer career. Well respected.

[@saguarmusic]

Yo le conocí en Madrid y tanto el como su mujer son increíbles a todos los niveles !!!

[@texasplumr]

I lived in Dallas for a year and came back to Austin in 1972. I knew this song and wondered if it was about Deep Elem in Dallas. Come to find out that it is! Levon and his band do a damn fine job playing it too!

[@stanokeefe2713]

Is it not Deep Ellum? I was wondering about the same, if this song was written about that neighborhood in Dallas famous for its Blues History.

[@randybeard6040]

Levon's Music Transcends Time, Race or Creeds --It is Music from the Heart and Soul that All can Respect and Enjoy.....

[@robertbarrett6267]

STILL luvin this song after all these yrs. That darn LC he's f***g GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jimmartin7881]

His parties were amazing, he was even more amazing. He was a real good human and I'll miss him.

[@LeftsnRights88]

This is the best version of Deep Elem Blues I've found. RIP Levon Helm.

[@boydhilley1018]

That’s the best and most effective performance on acoustic bass I ever heard.

[@edwardkarell466]

love everything about this song and Larry Campbell please keep bringin it on RIP Levon

[@seandacey8346]

THIS IS REAL FRIGGIN' MUSIC !!!! First TIME I've ever heard them !!!!!

[@Mounhas]

Unfortunately Levon is no longer with us, lovely man he was.

[@seandacey8346]

@@Mounhas Damn !!! I hope Levon is resting in peace. Is the tuning of his guitar Drop D ? I am new to this style of music and I love it.

[@jeffgaumond4250]

Of course, Levon Helm was the backbone of The Band and wrote many of their best songs. He played Loretta Lynn's daddy in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter".

[@robertbarrett6267]

Larry Cambell blows me away!!!! Never heard of him till about a yr ago.He makes this quartet

[@pjtrenthem]

Saw him a long time ago Backing Bob Dylan. On "All Along the Watchtower", the was playing Hendrix's part on an old lap steel. My jaw is still dropped.

[@jimfitzgerald6510]

That gets better every time I watch it.

[@debbyledbetter4434]

Deep Ellum... back when I lived in Ft, Worth, many years ago now was a place some of us wanted to go, we KNEW where the music was real, & so was life, rich with the good soul. Maybe I'll get back there who knows. Meantime thanks to Levon & Dirt Farmers not to mention soo many others for keeping this alive

[@thomasstone3513]

I have watched this video a few times now. I come every once in a while to remember levon. This Larry buy blows me away too. That voice is incredible. I give him all my admiration for helping levon go out as he did... I hope you are repaid, my friend.

[@jimmymac30]

Great song, beautifully performed!! ❤❤

[@thewatchman6074]

I love this. Original old style country/blues. Reminds me of Guy Clarke somehow.

[@sjoh104041]

Levon Helm was/is a National Treasure.

[@robfrancis8690]

A great cast of musically gifted angels, thanks for the great sounds that just changed my state from them Deep Elem Blues Blues to bliss!

[@liscarlson2099]

One of the best versions I've heard. So much feeling.❤

[@mikehagan4320]

Those guitar solos are really awesome. And that woman in the white shirt has a great voice.

[@jeffhockett2985]

That's Levon's daughter...Amy, I believe?

[@dharmabeachbum6330]

Great musicianship all the way around, and Larry sounds really good on lead vocals.

[@torah58]

Love this performance. It sends out such good and positive energy

[@cynthiaolsen9887]

Thank you for striking the real chord that runs through Americana Blues!

[@peterbetts858]

thank Levon Helm .

[@gerrywebster5824]

Wow! just blew me away, seriously talented guy and extraordinary band, Really special...thanks..

[@alanabit]

Beautiful, joyful, relaxed musicianship. Like all great bands, it's about how good the music is rather than how good the players are. This is what you learn from a lifetime of doing it well.

[@mallboss1219]

Man, he can really plat that guitar! The guy on the bass viol's awesome too!

[@colinbroadbelt1526]

can’t get this darn song out of my brain man I love it.

[@nataliapatriciasalzarulo7432]

levon is a legend

[@jetturner6439]

The whole song is so cool...call me a bass lover, I don't care, I love the stand up bass in this song. It's all good but bravo to the gentleman bass player. Love you all for sharing with us. Thanks, Mr. Levon Love and miss you sir.

[@robertbarrett6267]

I'll ALWAYS love Bill Black

[@jeffgaumond4250]

the bass is definitely solid on this, and of course, Levon, he The Man.

[@peterbetts858]

u should listen to junior huskey play on the nitty grritty dirt bands album called will the circle be unbroken , vol . 1 ,, or Willie Dixons album called I Am the Blues . stellar bass playing .

[@countryalexander7175]

That´s the right weight and speed! Very heavy and nice. One off our favourite tunes at the oldtime jam, Stockholm, Sweden with Rachel Eddy.

[@cindyclarke1804]

This is wonderful version of this song. Well done by all here.

[@garychait3353]

Music of the 1st Class Variety....just doesn't get any better. Levon always surrounded himself with the best musicians. Miss him. Thanks for posting!

[@larryc3860]

love this more traditional arrangement of the blues classic......r.i.p. Levon

[@randybeard6040]

I Refuse to let Levon's Music Die, What a Great Man and Band!!!

[@peterbetts858]

randy beard when i get of off of this Mountain , i know where im gonna go . . ..

[@donnarogers7732]

It never will! It is the Magic of the 1950-70s Music catalog of Every genre. If only the Young Musicians of today would learn from the MASTERS of that time. We still have the songs, the vibe, The Energy of the Best Time Ever! We my generation is gone PLEASE Young Ones Keep listening Learning and TEACHING your children about The most special Time of the 20th century. I know because I LIVED IT! Robbie You have "Painted Your Masterpiece" dear,Rest In Beautiful Peace with your Brothers and Sisters. ✌️🙏🩵💛🧡💚😪

[@jacktwist5907]

There was a time in America when this music was played all the time. A time when the feelings this music evokes were plentiful. Bless you Levon.

[@peterbetts858]

my guess is 1965 to 1975 .

[@aroe3896]

so damn nice, thank you Levon, great vocals Larry. If you can count Levon Helm and Jorma Kaukonen as artists you've played with often, then you're doing great.

[@hapax87]

From Wikipedia : The "Deep Elm Blues" is an American traditional song. The title of the tune refers to historical African American neighborhood in downtown Dallas, Texas, known as Deep Ellum, and a home to music legends Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Willie Johnson, Lead Belly, and Bill Neely. Sometimes the song's title is also spelled "Deep Elem" or "Deep Ellum."[1]The first known recording was made by the Cofer Brothers under the name of The Georgia Black Bottom on OKeh Records. The Shelton Brothers recorded various versions of this song, the first being cut in 1933 with Leon Chappelear under the pseudonym of Lone Star Cowboys for Bluebird Records. They recorded it again in 1935 for Decca Records followed by "Deep Elm No.2" and "Deep Elm No.3". Les Paul (as Rhubarb Red) recorded "Deep Elem Blues" and "Deep Elem Blues #2" on Decca in 1936. The Sheltons also recorded it in the 1940s as "Deep Elm Boogie" for King Records. Other versions of the song were made between 1957 and 1958 by Jerry Lee Lewis for Sun Records, Bobby Jackson for Gold Air Records, Mary McCoy & the Cyclones for Jin Records and, later, by Jerry Garcia, the Grateful Dead, Levon Helm, the Infamous Stringdusters, Rory Gallagher and most recently by Redhorse Black.

[@dragmyre]

right. was lower Elm street.

[@hapax87]

Being a blues musician requires me to know this kind of stuff, but no one knows all of the history. I just learned a lot of background information on Blind Willie Johnson about 4 years ago. His story is certainly worthy of a blues legend.

[@dragmyre]

YES, ITS LOWER ELM STREET.

[@clemgrover433]

Terry Fitzgerald

[@dragmyre]

looks like u did ur homework. many thanks.

[@philipclaasen1957]

Never complain or insult SIR. KZbin music is the way forward. It feeds the souls of ALL lovers of music.

[@traceyswanberg9340]

Loving it it is a reflection of levons greatness much missed

[@johnmrook4344]

How could anybody dislike this? Wonderfull!

[@dong1872]

I want to like this 3 or 4 times!! I saw Larry and Teresa at the Vancouver Island Folk Festival last year. Immediately impressed, and so taken by Larry's great big grin - ALL THE TIME! Have you ever seen anyone who loves what he is doing more than this?? So, so talented, and I am a guitar player, so I know brilliance when I see it. Love these guys, and miss Ol' Levon...

[@dragmyre]

exactly....

[@gordonbailey3660]

Levon and company have created a classic! Perfect voice for music!

[@garybeard2054]

了9

[@garybeard2054]

900，

[@afenijmeijer9027]

Awesome musicians. Levon Helm was a giant of his craft. I miss him. Thank goodness their music will live on forever.

[@mikehagan4320]

That guitar solo Is awesome! Great all the way around.

[@redskindan78]

Part of Levon's greatness was that he had no fear of letting great musicians / singers just sing and play, full-tilt, all out. Did not seem to worry that Larry C. or Teresa W. or the bass player (that's Byron?) would outshine him. The Levon Helm (Ramble) Band was so flexible they could do almost anything. And they did: each song would feature a different configuration of musicians and singers performing a different kind of music. Levon lives.

[@dragmyre]

+John Welch who knew?

[@johnmarysmith518]

John Welch p

[@gregschmucker1284]

Have you heard their cover of Deep Ellem they did with the New Orleans style brass section? That was another masterpiece as is this performance!

[@davidklein5007]

That's Amy Helm, not Teresa Williams.

[@allanbriggs9007]

@@davidklein5007 This version doesn't have Amy. It is Teresa Williams on the left. (Larry's Wife)

[@rickaloivs4077]

Love this... Deep Elem has been a Grateful Dead staple since the 70's.

[@nancychace8619]

It's an old song, not sure of its history, but I know it goes way back.

[@peterbetts858]

hey now rick , east coast Canada . saw levon n band 6 months before we lost him it was amazing the energy n respect for him that was in the room .it was incediable how he was , as he was suffering from cancer at the time , i belive , taking short cuts in his drum playing , but still keeping the sharp ,bright Levon beat in tact, that he owned , amazing to watch . i believe it was close to 2 hour show , sure it was over 90 minutes and him that close to the end played the whole time . even sang a couple , Levon Lives .

[@dylanledbetter9959]

This is super great. The singing and all musicians. Larry is one of the best,I dont think anyone could pick this one better, no not nearly. thanks for posting.

[@donnaballowe3209]

M ri

[@peterbetts858]

taste Garcia .

[@daleledbetter7005]

super great picking larry , great singing everyone .

[@andreagerardi5320]

Love Larry Campbell. So talented!

[@robertbarrett6267]

I LOVE THIS SONG!!! Simple but GREAT musicians!!!

[@earlbaumgardner5392]

Had the pleasure of picking with Mr Larry a while back, hope the opportunity presents itself again. A really talented guy 🎼🎶🎸🪕🎻 Dennis

[@richardmims9613]

I liked this the first time I heard it. The more I hear it, the more I like it. Awesome!!!

[@johnwise7693]

Love Larry's mischievous grin at the start, and great guitar tone!

[@larryholloway6899]

One of the sweetest renditions of this iconic classic, I loved Levon and his friends!

[@haroldarmstrong8285]

Gone but never, never forgotten!!!! Miss you so much Levon....the world misses you. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@dragmyre]

which one is Levon? please,

[@frankfisher4380]

@@dragmyre the one playing the mandolin

[@peterbetts858]

@@dragmyre Levon was the original drummer /singer in the group called the Band .in th e 60 s to the end , wikkpedia them im pretty sure youll know some of their songs .

[@reyatsmk9990]

Love it, I am elemental blues ...

[@bernardlawrence1457]

Man, I love this "Deep Elem Blues" and you guys sound awesome. I think you need one more Blues Song. How about the "C.V. Blues" for the Corona Virus going around? It just might be a big seller. Thanks, Bernard Lawrence

[@josephcharbonneau8740]

Wow this is so wicked cool TY For this awesome share!!! 😍

[@nigelneil1095]

I only knew the Grateful Dead version of this till now. Love it. Levon Helm RIP.

[@ffrederickskitty4607]

!!!!!!! saw levon and the band at the last waltz. the guy was awesome.

[@larryvenable1541]

,,

[@gunners47]

Really great und unforgettable version, fab.!

[@JackARoe1964]

That was freaking AWESOME!! Wow I miss Jerry ❤️

[@peterbetts858]

did u chec skull n rose fest on boob tube , git er done .

[@gregtaylor8327]

man thats some pickin. love it. Big smiles and great playi ng. A long way from Up On Cripple Creek. What a man Levon Helm .Legend

[@deanmary1969]

We also would like to Thank Terry and the great post. ...Return from military in December 67...caught many of the ol blues in and outside of Austin Hideaway club, Eanies Chicken Shack ,Charlies Plae House and the ol Armadillo Armadillo Lighting Hopkins ,Freddie King Muddy Waters ,hearing this is Smooth and So deep rooted hearing the History...ol couple way down in TX...gotta love it when Lightin just his guitar and a crowd on his fingertips..thanks again ...jd

[@michaelvanhorn7152]

americana music . so under rated .. great music

[@azbobs]

Love this song, great job and a fun song to play

[@hochbob]

Larry has been diagnosed with Covid-19. We wish you a speedy and full recovery.

[@tpatton6773]

That's WHY! GREAT PICKING! Clear and precisely done 💓💓💓

[@elliotkennel4584]

This band has proven that, the slower you play the song, the cooler it is.

[@randypotter7442]

Levon, wish that you were still around making music.

[@dannyevans3094]

I love this video. I can't believe Larry Campbell isn't better known. I hadn't heard of him until I ran across this video and also saw him on some of Levon Helm's videos.

[@greggjensen1350]

Great vocals and they can play! Fun to listen to.

[@leonvanhuyssteen]

Levon Helm..... a legend, loved him in The Last Waltz.... so, so versatile....

[@jayjaynella4539]

His performance as Loretta Lynn's father in Coal Miner's Daughter is classic.

[@michaelslaney620]

This is such a beautiful song love it very well played thank you

[@carolvee4121]

I just love this song and music it makes you feel good just like you want to get up and dance.Wish i had the l lirics.I love the whole layout of the song.I would like to hear more of Levon Helm and his fab group.,Thank You from Sask. Canada.God Bless.

[@MrRoundwound]

God bless y’all. What a great bunch of American musicians! From Bob in Canada

[@peterbetts858]

saw Levon n the Levon Helm Band 6 months before he passed on in New Brunswick . it was Electrifying .

[@jryan2313]

Levon and Larry! Larry is as good as anyone

[@genem9725]

Levon Helm was one hell of a player.

[@dwbonny3210]

Quite possibly the best version ever... (and i don't say that lightly..!)

[@davidbrennan3613]

Fantastic musicians .god bless. Levon

[@thomascordle1446]

I love this music so exciting love it

[@donwooldridge8563]

As 'Arkansauce' says, "Levon Helms lives in every house downtown". In the lesser-known Fayetteville, that is! Such soulful talent.

[@dianecolucci4371]

The best music in the world. My generation Proud to be a boomer

[@lawrencesumner4819]

Right

[@garychristensen7895]

I am ashamed that I was not familiar with this song. This song has a really cool vibe to it...done by some incredibly talented people!!

[@phillipherder4982]

a fantastic performance!! My favorite version of this song!

[@TheMartinpicker]

Mmmmmmmmmm, Singing is Awesome, picking us even better 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@randybeard6040]

Levon, What a Legacy you left in the World of Music....