Levon Helm on Letterman, January 6 and 11, 1983

[@sunlightsoilwater]

I was lucky enough to live in Woodstock when he was there. He had a party at his house open to the police, , EMTs, firefighters and teachers. I being a teacher, felt honored to be there. He sat next to me during one of the performances and I had a short conversation with him. I asked him why teachers were included in his guest list. "Just like the others, teachers are underpaid, underappreciated and overworked". Sweet, sweet man.

[@ebay9302]

MOst teachers are communists

[@musicjeffyoung]

😮wow

[@rhythmfield]

That sounds like Levon Helm to me - I luckily experienced a Midnight Ramble with the man himself at the drums - a drummer/vocalist myself, it was an experience I’ll never forget

[@aliofly]

@@rhythmfield incredible!

[@autumnrotella4029]

Love it

[@paulaa7278]

Levon Helm was such an underappreciated talent. He deserved every possible award and honor. He was so humble about it all, too. Thank you for all of the great memories. RIP I know you are rocking it in Heaven.

[@ajsmusic2561]

He was a stumblin drunk early on and would have to wear a diaper. Serious...

[@tomwinkle1597]

@@ajsmusic2561 never pitch fork the deceased, it will come around to haunt you. Also shows your lack of character.

[@ebay9302]

@@tomwinkle1597 That was not a rub, he had a problem and got through it. That;s good! HOSER

[@tomwinkle1597]

@@ebay9302 maybe you should read it again and pretend you are 1 of his family members. We have all shit our pants, do we need to share it about others?

[@tomwinkle1597]

@@ebay9302 I would like to see what you would write about some one that you were rubbing on.. I truely hope it makes you feel bigger.

[@zenzen1916]

Levon was a sweet guy, met him in '75, he was very funny. He introduced me to Paul Butterfield, my soul mate, and son Justin's father.💔🥀💫

[@bobbyosborne2375]

Love you Levon. A TRUE southern gentleman. And one HELLUVA musician and songwriter. They don't make em' like that anymore.

[@ParkerAllen2]

Every time I've heard Levon speak I feel like I'm hearing the authentic voice of another time in America. I can picture people who crossed the plains in the 19th century having those same qualities - humble, decent, honest, straightforward, and non-judgmental. Those who like to talk about themselves in this era as the "real Americans" could learn a thing or two from this guy.

[@bobbailey5072]

Well said, Mr. Allen.

[@Snakefinger1000]

You are so right, Levon is the real deal no pretension there.

[@jimmiller7971]

He’s the kind of man who’d go to hell for you and not even ask your name!

[@jimmiller7971]

He’d treat a complete stranger like a life long friend

[@Matthew_Eitzman]

Parker Allen, I shit my pants.

[@EternallyUnhappy]

The Legend himself Levon, Killing it on Letterman!! R.I.P To one of the greatest musicians ❤

[@SuperC888]

@ryanmcparland7605 EVER!

[@elizabethwright7162]

❤❤❤

[@sheercerebralpower]

Levon embodies everything I associate with good American people, polite,humble,witty,polite,talented and a big heart of gold.....oh yes and barbecue sauces....

[@atravelerofbothtimespace4172]

Great comment God bless you❤

[@artrockdrummer]

I met him once. Was passing thru Woodstock and he happened to be playing at a bar that night. Got a pic with him. Great guy. I was in high school. Didn’t realize how cool that was till recently.

[@dougpotosky4102]

Yes! Very special person! And extremely talented musician! I also was lucky and had a chance to meet him. Plus took some special photos for great memories!

[@user-vg6ym5xy2r]

Yes, that was WAAAY cool!

[@williamware6766]

Mop

[@ianmangham4570]

Wow, how cool 😎

[@thomassquilanti8314]

​@@williamware6766 what's up?

[@travisfletcher900]

Levon is the greatest. Not only a phenomenal musician, but an all around gentleman too.

[@48retrop]

You know that Levon has not been with us for a good many years.

[@travisfletcher900]

@@48retrop No shit Sherlock. I cried the day he died. I felt like he was a member of my family. My comment is stating that he is still the greatest, dead or living. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@rhythmfield]

Levon was the real deal - when he was a child, he witnessed live radio broadcasts, in person in the radio studio in Helena, Arkansas, with people like Sonny boy Williamson. He absorbed this type of true great black American roots music up close and personal, and as a grown man, took it around the world. This is one of the greatest musical guest appearance in the entire long history of the great David Letterman show.

[@leannmeixner8073]

Levon was 43 at this time. his beard previously made him look older.... he managed to live to age 72. One of the greatest "second lap" careers in music.... Roy Orbison was another...

[@karenmeyer9518]

👏👏👏👏

[@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL]

I think he looked better with the beard.

[@TheJollycoppers]

Met Levon once after a "Levon Helm and the Barnburners" show. I walked backstage and asked to get a picture. He welcomed me like he knew me and like I was supposed to be there. Levon was the absolute nicest guy. He was smoking those Lucky Strikes though...he sounded rough and I felt really bad about that. But, just as friendly and down-to-earth as you might guess. I'll never forget that.

[@nuboyhere]

I'm glad you have such great memories with someone you admire and love.

[@g4joe]

Levon has "still got the shovel"

[@DH-ij9pe]

Levon is the definition of a class act.

[@baddad60]

Levon Helm as a great talent and one of my all-time favorites. His music was as genuine as he was.

[@willdoody4645]

Levon Helm had incredible musical talent and i love his old school style . RIP YOUR MUSIC STILL LIVES!

[@bleekblaw5446]

Favorite drummer/singer of all time by FAR!! Thanks for the music Levon!!!

[@stonehobson2487]

Watching this at 6:45 am is a good way to start your day. I'm falling on the floor with laughter. No need for more coffee, I'm all hyped and in a great mood now.

[@jamessharpe6699]

I'm only 51 but I've seen some good rock and roll and my days and I feel strongly that the band is the most underrated band to date

[@namcat53]

Lose the unaware teenage ridiculous phrase "underrated". Realize what musical history is and learn that because you haven't heard of someone doesn't mean everyone else including fellow musicians, fans and critics have always given nothing but the highest praise for a band like The Band...for several decades since their very beginning...you just didn't know any of that.

[@sym667]

@@namcat53 We're on the same page. When I read "underrated" on comments, I usually ask: "underrated by whom"?

[@charlesrussek7118]

The band is the greatest band no one seems to remember. I try to introduce people to the Band any chance I get.

[@tommyc922]

Brilliant! Loved the interview, and the performance of the song was unbelievable by everyone involved.

[@musicjeffyoung]

Love Levon man. His singing is fantastic and his drumming is the absolute best.

[@5speedMax]

Fabulous musical talent, love a guy that can both sing and play drums. Hard enough while playing guitar.

[@thorsmagicstone]

The level of musicianship from every member of The Band was off the charts

[@howardmccauley7878]

This man has genuine honest to God swagger. Too cool for mere words.

[@williamadamsmusic3025]

Not only was Levon great, this reminded me of how great real television used to be! I'd forgotten! And yes, Levon was at the top of the list of drummers who could play and sing simultaneously! I've heard other interviews with him in which he said singing was easier when he was drumming... and drumming easier when he was singing!

[@rebelm1133]

So happy I found this! Levon definitely knows how to transport a glass bottled gift - my Man!

[@tas22222]

Humble Amazing drummer and amazing vocal !! I am in awe of any drummer who can sing at the same time. Levon is the best at it and Phil Collins to name one, it is NOT an easy task. I love levons talking voice as well as his singing voice, massive talent

[@arneodenlidx94]

Wow so nice to hear Levon Helm awesome also on blues harmonica .. Thank you for the music one of the legendary The Band

[@NG-Lespaul]

One of the all time greats!! Simply oozes cool!! RIP LEVON!!

[@letsif]

Love the bare bones nature of these early broadcasts. More intimate and real. Levon is just so normal and talented.

[@wtgphoto]

The part of the show where Levon was a no show was handled fantastic, really funny. This was back when late night comedy was really comedy, truly the good ole days. Miss those days.

[@imtheman4805]

Gerard Mulligan did a great job pulling this off. There were some incredible comedic moments … where took credit for “The night they drove old Dixie down” is just comedic gold.

[@MishMuzic]

Agreed. I enjoyed the 6th as much as the 11th.

[@me67226]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@ZelbeQahi]

Levon is a hero of mine. He, along with Leon Russell helped launch my favorite Okie guitarist Jesse Ed Davis’ career.

[@marvinpues]

So glad I watched this. Classic Letterman, love seeing Steve Jordan and really that whole band just incredible. Levon was such a class act, and a model of how a person can be. Thanks for posting.

[@etech52]

Letterman was great until he got political!

[@imtheman4805]

“Letterman was great until he got political” I always thought Dave kept it somewhat low key but the we have the first class loser Jimmy Kimmel who has lost tons of viewers due to his political hysteria!!

[@couscouswoman]

if you want to know how a true American sounds like or behaves like look at Levon Helm. He is as American as apple pie, as highway 66, as the South Dakota Bad Lands. I workout in the gym listening to his song Upon Cripple Creek. He had a great voice. God bless him.

[@saspinks3001]

Such a humble, genuine, man.

[@bethbartlett5692]

Levon - the energy feeling of the 70's - that's indescribable - and love his "Hand-jive" God Bless his soul eternally with Positive Energy.

[@timothydaniels504]

One of the nice things about growing up in Toronto a long time ago was seeing Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks almost any day of the week. Levon sang about 50% of their songs and lived about two lifetimes longer than the rest of us. Those guys knew how to have fun.

[@travishuffman87]

Cant imagine how great that was. Toronto is always welcome in Texas if ya make it down.

[@timothydaniels504]

I love Texas. Spent some time around the Big Bend; Terlingua, Alpine and Marfa. Rugged and beautiful country.

[@timothydaniels504]

@@blindmelonstubbly funny that you mention Stoney Lake. I used to go into a German delicatessen in west Toronto that was owned by a family who had a cottage up there. They were usually invited to Ronnie’s parties. He was fascinated by German history around WW2. I also remember the interesting bunch of people that followed those guys on the road. They looked sort of like gangsters with really flashy women. This was pre hippy days when people wore suits and women wore dresses.

[@prajnachan333]

I love how this video has the music played through the commercial that the audience hears. Cool 😎 The master of The Last Waltz and the Band. 🎉 🕉 Hand Jive! ✋️ Levon baby.

[@paulcolbourne9112]

Besides seeing Levon, I love that you left the commercial breaks in this Don. It's so good to hear the real talent contained in the World's Most Dangerous Band.

[@jeffclement2468]

In their prime, with the mighty Steve Jordan.

[@Anthony-hu3rj]

I just sat and listened to their instrumental of The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down and was sweetly mesmerized.

[@cleanslate2004]

This guy's an Icon & he'still was as humble as can be. Love that guy

[@robw1031]

What a treat thanks for making this available

[@SuperC888]

Levon never left After David thanked him for being on the show he stayed on to play with the band! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@DarkeningSkies1]

The very definition of a "southern gentleman"... rest well, Levon!

[@jimcooper4399]

Don you are doing a great public service with these videos! Thanks!

[@MARAillusion]

Levon was great! Thanks to the uploader for sharing this little treasure!

[@dongiller]

You're welcome!

[@SHALAt22]

Thank you so much for posting this awesome performance during the commercial breaks.... that's the first for me.

[@dougpotosky4102]

Wow! That was priceless! We miss you Levon! R.I.P.

[@blitztim6416]

The brilliance of Dave. God bless Levon. What a beautiful and talented person he was.

[@sheercerebralpower]

I saw The Last Waltz when it opened. I was 12 years old and went with my late dad to watch in our local cinema in a city in the Black Forest... there and than I decided to be a guitar player.....still am today.....

[@genevievegelatto8447]

That’s awesome.

[@alanjay35]

Love it

[@bigal25938]

What a treasure of an entertainer and how great Letterman was. He and Leno and Carson were go great. Today’s hosts need lessons.

[@AZBEEMR]

They don’t need lessons, they need replacements.

[@OttoByOgraffey]

Leno was terrible.

[@loilt5091]

Not a fan of Leno’s show…his interviews were generally bad & sucky, while Letterman was usually witty & irreverent. I respect Leno’s love for cars & his knowledge of them.

[@shinskoala7072]

I would love to see that outtake footage of “coal miners daughter” where Levon popped out of the grave to sing. I met him about 35 years ago when he played in a small bar called, The Rusty Nail. In between a set he sat at my table with my friends and talked a bit. Before he went back onstage I held up my beer to salute him and he grabbed it, took a swig, and said,, “Thanks Buddy”.

[@ACrackInTheWall2006]

That's freakin' awesome!

[@sammyscotch9945]

Thanks buddy

[@douglassharpe55]

The Rusty Mail in Sunderland, near U. Mass.?

[@bobbionherjobi6254]

shin's koala Or the Rusty Nail in Cape May, NJ ?

[@elizafienemann9938]

Stowe?

[@Bigeazy87]

Levon was a gem!! These episodes also feature Steve Jordan, currently with the Rolling Stones.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

And Hiram Bullock, currently deceased.

[@debraarnold3703]

Levon was such a sincere mam with a kindness and honesty to him. I was a fan of his voice and fine drums. He played Loretta Lynn's daddy in Cole Minors Daughter and was a natural on screen.

[@svenjansen2134]

'Sincere Mam' 😆 Great song title

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Gerard is the greatest. Not only a phenomenal writer, but an all around gentleman too.

[@jamesmichael5475]

Salt of the earth, humble man, amazing talent.

[@jimmuzzi1072]

Dave's NBC show was so much better than the CBS version because it was so spontaneous.

[@imtheman4805]

They produced an incredible amount of comedy those first few years and it was so far ahead of the tonight show that the fans loved it. The irreverence was just incredible

[@ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Listening to Rag Mama Rag... man that mid-80s chorus-heavy guitar sound... it was everywhere.

[@peterk8909]

Only Letterman could make a major no show entertaining. Paul got to show off some great chops. Great band,, as evidenced by the smile on Levon's face after that first harp jam. RIP, Levon Helm. You are missed.

[@justindaley2460]

The band here are great, but 'The Band' were dry and earthy. Never been another band come close

[@peterk8909]

@@justindaley2460 I can't pick one band, singer or musician that stands alone as the best. I do have my personal favorites. Recently we lost Robbie Robertson. RIP. God, I'm getting old. But it's better than the alternative.

[@northernmuse9]

Great job of editing! Pretty cool that you were able to get the full audio of the songs played during the commercial breaks. Thanks for posting.

[@criticman123]

but not the one before levon played mandolin! I cant think of that song and I'm going crazy

[@harrodsongs]

@@criticman123 Sounds like Al Green's "Love and Happiness."

[@speakeasyusa]

Levon was truly a class act

[@j.c.b6473]

LOVE the band's music during the commercials! Wouldn't they make a great album.

[@ChefZee1964]

before this i only knew him from The Last Waltz and The Band’s songs i had on record and heard on radio, but after this segment i feel that i got to know the real man just a bit more. seems like a real genuine person with plenty of southern charm. thanks for posting & sharing

[@twood151515]

Anyone notice Rick Danko next to the manager on couch? Rick and Levon had a gig at the Ritz that evening 1.6.1983

[@andycast_com]

Thanx again Don... these segmented posts are the best!

[@billhedges3285]

The only drummer that can make me cry

[@talpajam]

only other drummer who makes me cry is elliot hoffman

[@Supernd01]

Funny how he downplayed his ability to sing and play drums at the same time. He was probably the best ever at it.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

♫ Up on Cripple Creek, she sends me, If I spring a leak, she mends me ♫

[@et5222]

The two best: Levon and Karen Carpenter

[@CoryRau]

Andy Sturmer of Jellyfish. Phenomenal.

[@blitztim6416]

There’s a few. Phil Collins comes to mind. But he generally did them separately.

[@DansAcousticCorner]

That Eagles fellow 😉

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Of course I never knew him but he's such a down to earth person..he seems like someone you could relate to on one and one..very likeable. May he rest in peace 🙏.

[@jacmacattack128]

The Band , the greatest vocals you could ask for most people when going to a live show would get to hear mostly the front man and back up vocals. This is what made the Band so special starting with Levon Helms then each of the talents behind Levon would do another song maybe a bit better and so who ever took the lead vocals might had sang each and every song a bit better with no hard feelings. Then the music and lyrics is just another beautiful story. The bands music will live on forever that I am dam sure of .

[@hindskn]

"A lot of us are losing pickups this year...." That recession was no joke.

[@MrLookitspam]

I had no idea how big a talent and the ability to preform. Thank you sir rest easy sir.

[@angeloiodice9304]

He is the very essence of humility, like nothing is there, and then he just musters up to brilliance. We could all learn much from his way of being.

[@R4lee444]

This is my time machine... thanks Don Giller... you are doing God's work.

[@mikeinman513]

Wow this is great two of the best ever Letterman and Helm

[@j.c.a2872]

Levon Helm, the definition of a southern gentleman !!!!

[@mikeneuburger3989]

J.C. Arseneau he’s the best type of person

[@Strimbles]

CLASS ACT, and a GREAT singer/drummer

[@greasey520]

Levon was such a humble man. You are missed, Levon.

[@JJJZANESVILLE2]

My mom, who was in music...or my grandmother... introduced me to the Band...so to speak. Probably around 1970 or so. Thank you mom (or grandmom). I appreciate your comment, Greasy. Levon and all the rest of them were such a trip.

[@JJJZANESVILLE2]

Yes, I'm old.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

@@JJJZANESVILLE2 54 isn't that old.

[@JJJZANESVILLE2]

Hey, thanks. I don't know how you came up with 54...but I am 71...soon to be 72 on April 17th, 2024. When you get into your 70's, you will notice. 😏@@BryanClark-gk6ie

[@JJJZANESVILLE2]

Hey, thanks. I'm not sure where you came up with 54 but I will be 72 on April 17, 2024.I love the Band. When you get into your 70's, you will know. 😏@@BryanClark-gk6ie

[@sammyscotch9945]

I wish Levon was still here to give us more grest music

[@craigfazekas3923]

Loved Levon with Wilfred Brimley in End Of the Line. Hokey ? A bit, but still a beloved family favorite... 😎

[@nathanhickey2430]

My Lil brother was playing at a club in Arkansas in the 80's and the d.j. ask if this old guy in a cowboy hat could set in on harmonica, it was Levon and he brought the house down . He had already left before we knew he was . He was headed to Fayetteville to hang with the Cate Brothers.

[@autumnrotella4029]

Wow that's awesome

[@memecine]

It's a pity his mandolin mic wasn't working for "Rag Mama Rag".

[@onetrueslave]

Yea, no doubt.

[@johnmorrison8618]

That big ole thumbs up Levon gives Steve at the end of the performance is so wholesome

[@jeffreyspearjr]

He gave that thumbs up with his whole body!

[@g00gleminus96]

Classic David Letterman, back when he was still having a lot of fun.

[@bobbylane-weedhawks-skullm650]

sound engineer dropped the ball big time. no mandolin, unforgivable.

[@sblack48]

Don't think it was plugged in. They were depending on his vocal mic.

[@brucehanson6427]

I thought exactly the same thing

[@MrJohnnysaintjohn]

Couldn't agree more, would loved to have heard him.

[@genevievegelatto8447]

EXACTLY what I was thinking! I was really looking forward to hearing him play that mandolin, too.

[@quarter_moon_and_a_guitar]

Letterman always treated musicians with the utmost respect, and actors with the utmost disdain

[@lewisham]

quarter_moon and_a_guitar That’s very true.

[@jaywilley955]

quarter_moon and_a_guitar Not always.

[@panjandrum.conundrum]

but the Joaquin Phoenix interview was totally worth it!

[@SeverSTL]

I never thought I would hear about the hambone until Levon mentioned it. When I was young we use to pick cotton for candy down around the Missouri Bootheel. You will never meet anyone from that area that you won't like...even the girls talk like Levon.

[@RELopez-mk4ic]

He sounds like John Anderson. A lot of people in Mississippi talk like him.

[@jrpipik]

I missed this one in the way back when -- fantastic stuff! I love Gerard taking credit for Helm's accomplishments. "Thank you very much!"

[@jrpipik]

I just realized I must have seen the second episode, because I remember the review of The Verdict that Dave mentions at the end.

[@dongiller]

I put up the complete "Limited Perspectives" here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGaom6SrrZd6sLc

[@jrpipik]

I watched that a couple months ago -- one of my favorite bits on the old show.

[@stonehobson2487]

Really enjoying both videos. Good comedy and takes me back to a simpler time. Thanks. @@dongiller

[@AMEER-114-]

@@dongiller what does 'invited to home base' mean? Mulligan was already there in the offices because it was his job.

[@superlite177]

BBQ sauce, as an actual southerner a peace offering, thank you Leon. Great music and a great man.

[@svenjansen2134]

Leon Helm

[@kiddmarlowe1534]

Levon's the man!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

January 6 of 1983 was my first birthday and I remember this like it was yesterday. What a great birthday.

[@davesmith9912]

You remember your first birthday and watching David Letterman at 11:30pm at night as a one year old? As if.

[@jeffreyspearjr]

Loved the classic Steve Jordan moments. Probably the best parts of this video for me!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

You gotta have some serious confidence in your chops to play for Levon on one of his own songs. Luckily, Steve Jordan has chops for days.

[@diamonddog13]

​@@SimpleManGuitars1973Levon played mandolin on that song. Richard Manuel played the drums on the record.

[@markheefner6527]

What a treat it must have been to be able to play with Levon

[@synysterjazmyngates]

Why do I love his accent/voice so much?! ❤️

[@jadefire2817]

On account of it bein' pure Arkan-sawyer, that's why! Best southern accent out of all of them! ♥❤♥

[@vailko]

It's honest and clear.

[@mobee7613]

I love his voice, Could listen to him all day!

[@jeffflaig362]

He kinda sounds like george w bush.

[@cjnav7832]

real

[@mkptrsn]

Seems like just yesterday when I was a kid staying up late watching Dave. Always loved his show, especially after Carson who was way more grown up lol

[@Willd-ki8ix]

I've played music my entire life I come from a musical family and I have often watched drummers and thought man I don't want to work that hard (I play guitar), Levon Helms makes it look like a game.

[@ElmosTavern]

So glad Levon brought Dave some Shadden's BBQ sauce ...most folks recognize Texas, KC & of course Memphis BBQ---but Arkansas Delta BBQ is the Best! Just like Levon

[@candyjohnson3302]

We always stop at Craig’s BBQ in DeValls Bluff on our way from Fayetteville, Arkansas to the king biscuit blues festival in Helena and stock up bottles to tote home. Yum

[@paulajanson8053]

I’m 58 right now. This guy is what I call one of my “retro crush(s)” He was just gorgeous! And seems to be a good guy. ❤

[@patriciajohnson3017]

I love Levon!!!!! And I think that Paul had the best job in the world, getting to play with so many great talents. He is talented too…enjoyed reading his biography. And just like The Band, he is Canadian.

[@geraldrussell3351]

THE GOAT DRUMMER/SINGER

[@Tehdurkniht]

An overlooked nugget from this clip is the fact that that manager is Gene Levy's uncle, Gene Levy of course being Eugene Levy of American Pie and Best in Show fame.

[@davesmith9912]

Interesting, this a true fact?

[@tmobilerelayer0102]

The things that made late-night television great!

[@fretfix1]

Paul, Hiram, Steve and Will....kickin' it with Levon!!

[@donnal.carlkuchinski1394]

went to see Dave's show so many times....so much fun!

[@labishop0706]

I hate seeing “late night” interviews of my favorite people. It is so dumbed down. But Levon’s grace and talent rose to the top. Great to see how much fun the drummer was having playing with him. This Earth is not the same without you Levon. See you over yonder.

[@drf8879]

Levon was a true gentleman.

[@rustyjewell8499]

He addressed American hero as General Yeager all the while Dave called him Chuck

[@kanealson5200]

True...Mr Ontario