Levon Helm - On Singing While Drumming

Levon Helm discusses singing while drumming in his On Drums and Drumming instructional video from 1992. The interviewer is his fellow drummer in The Band Randy Ciarlante. He also gives us an impromptu solo performance of The Battle is Over But the War Goes On.

[@cameronroyce1761]

It seems to me Levon plays drums almost as if he's about to let the beat get away from him but catches it at the last possible second, one of the greatest drummers ever no doubt.

[@RebelChild09]

Cameron Royce ― That is spot on! I love it; perfectly phrased.

[@ericking4072]

AND A TERRIBLE LOSS OF A LIFELIGHT

[@DG-sf9ei]

Yeah, his style is very similar to Ginger Baker in that way. At times its almost like simultaneously hearing the rest of the group on one track and the drums set at the same tempo but a 1/2 step behind on another track.

[@speier]

similar to John Bonham

[@hamburgerdan101]

Very loose all musicians should aim to play that way. laid back and loose.

[@cobb_thedrummer]

Could listen to just him singing and drumming, nothing else, for hours.

[@anitadavideduo]

😍

[@ROCKSTARCRANE]

WHY CAN'T WE HAVE MUSICIANS LIKE THIS ANYMORE?????? My God, the beauty of simplicity.......

[@serialchiller6786]

Look this guy also sings while drumming... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHWskGuka8yEg8k

[@fransnagel]

Because in this new world real musicians aren't able to make a decent living and have been replaced by dj's that make millions but don't know how to play a single instrument.

[@sm-ev8ld]

they do exist you just arent looking hard enough

[@janetownley]

… you can’t because your mind closed shut about music in 1973

[@janetownley]

@@fransnagel This is just not true at all.

[@dougpeters1625]

I have never been so blown away and entertained by a single man singing while playing the drums..

[@bertvanstaveren3178]

He wasn't the only singing drummer, but he sure was the greatest one.

[@andrewshydlowsky6173]

I would say that Levon and Peter Riveria of Rare Earth are 1A and 1B both interchangable.

[@babylemonade2868]

Roger Taylor of Queen is up there too.

[@jdfolbre]

Oralé!

[@JAMStudiosIE]

I have to add Andy Sturmer of Jellyfish to that list

[@fuzzy5113]

i could watch this dude play and sing by himself all day....seriously....

[@blindterrytucci2752]

The one thing I respected most about Levon (other than his feel because holy shit) was his modesty. He didn’t think he was doing anything special while the rest of us sit in awe. He’s the only drummer I’ve ever heard who can make time keeping the best part of a song.

[@cryptonator1988]

Facts bro his groove and feel you cant teach you either have it or you dont. If he thinks hes okay of a drummer then hes the best okay drummer that ever made me feel some type of way because most drummers dont move me at all but his drumming and singing it hits me in the best way possible.. we have too think he aint showing us anything he had so much more he could do on a drum kit for him and what he did it just wasn't necessary but you think he can't play a john Bonham drum solo i bet he could-!!!!! I remember seeing the last waltz by luck late at night on pbs and i was tired as shit and i couldn't go back too sleep i was in such awe and couldn't believe what i was hearing.. couldn't believe my parents never told me about the band i was mesmerized the first couple of beats they had my full blown attention and i felt the music immediately no hesitation i still feel this way everytime i hear them such magic how he does it and keeps it so simple i will never understand pure talent..

[@joelglanton6531]

@@cryptonator1988 Very well put. Not many drummers are as moving to me either

[@jvega419]

I consider myself lucky to have walked the Earth with that man.

[@ronnie73072]

Levon. What an amazing guy. Awesome drummer, good singer, great teacher and awesome actor. Love listening to him talk and he was one of the best parts of the movie Shooter. RIP LEVON.

[@Berniewahlbrinck]

He was awesome in THE THREE BURIALS OF MELCHIADES ESTRADA

[@Jellybeantiger]

The groovers and tasty drummers have a mastery of slow tempos,R.I.P. Levon Helm. When he sang,the lyrics were felt through his whole being,a fantastic musician.

[@alhillx]

The lesson here for musicians: whether you sing or drum or play bass or guitar or keys: what you do has to serve the song. This is a mastercraft lesson by someone who is an elite singer and drummer, but what he is talking about is what the song needs.

[@rhythmantic]

Levon was the music, it was all in him and the drums were just an extension.

[@tiponin23]

I had to pause so I could type this and not miss the message. Genius, humble, humor, integrity, Beautiful.

[@jimlabos]

It's a sin to be that good and that humble. Damn! The best musicians know when to forget the technique and let the feel take over. Crazy that he sings a capella with drums and it still grooves and makes sense.

[@serialchiller6786]

Look this guy is also awesome... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHWskGuka8yEg8k

[@tmo7734]

Every molecule in Levon's body was musical. What a horrible loss of a wonderful talent. May Levon Rest in peace.

[@stevebirks2186]

He is just amazing !!! - My Doc advised me to take up the drums -After a long Illness - It was a Medical paper he'd read - And apparently they get people who have had strokes to to learn to play the drums - A : to get their memory ticking over again - B : to get their coordination back ? I could never play like Him ! he is like I said just amazing!!! Thanks for sharing !

[@kimweemhoff8066]

Did it do you good, mr Birks? I hope so I’m also curious because i’ m thinking of teaching basic independance to non drummers who i think might benefit ( elderly, children with ADHD etc)

[@joelglanton6531]

No kidding, good for you, and good on ol' Doc too. Do you still play, Steve?

[@tattyshoesshigure5731]

Love Levon... could listen to him chatting & drumming for hours, thanks for posting!

[@the24thstreetwailers]

he's the reason I drum and sing and have made a career (so far) out of doing so, he was everything a great drummer should be. so sad I never saw him live. thanks for this video.

[@TheKiller-yh3pi]

I really hope this stuff is being preserved in the Library of Congress. Gold...this is worth GOLD. The knowledge here, in the right hands, could ignite fire with those sticks.Forget the Gold standard....What America needs now...is The Levon Helm Standard.

[@karltaylor4455]

Levon is the reason I became a singing drummer......He gave me confidence and possibilities RIP Mark Levon Helm

[@Billy-jp2ln]

Levon is keeping time in heaven. I saw Levon live at the knight theatre in Charlotte in 2012. Unbelievable show. He had ten horns in his band. He got up to play mandolin and did the old duck walk. Campbell his guitar player was better than Robbie R. Levon's daughter, Amy has a voice like an angel from heaven. I will never forget that night. I had been a fan for many years. They played the weight, Ophelia, cripple Crk, chest fever, and songs off his last two albums, dirt farmer, and electric dirt. He won Grammys for both. What a man

[@yeahbee8237]

I got to see Garth Hudson in a tribute to Levon, it was magical, can only imagine how it would have been seeing the The Band for real

[@brentmcswain633]

I was at that show. Fantastic experience. And those horns really tore it up.

[@brentmcswain633]

DontTreadOnMe IwontTreadOnYou My old ass don't really understand why it's being told to shut up...but respectfully young man, thanks for the response.

[@danradu9659]

Even if he never sang, he should be considered one of the top drummers ever. Tons of groove....

[@mightymartianca]

And he was a pretty handy mandolin player as well.

[@FelixWheatfield]

RIP Levon Helm. An underrated, "unsung" (ironic, isn't it?) hero of music history.

[@cuda426hemi]

The Master. Like all Masters he makes it look like a walk in the park.

[@donf3739]

The man was just a genius, in more ways than one. I just love that way he held the sticks most of the time, traditional grip, and left stick backwards. That has to be his trademark.

[@TheDonzim]

Pure talent no Music theory school can't teach,love the explanation of how he accomplishes what he is trying to do. Born to play music,its that simple. One of the best!

[@handidrummed]

I was fortunate enough to get this DVD a few years ago before it went out of print. I didn't really know a whole lot about Levon, but this DVD changed my life from that day forward. I'm not a singing drummer, but his simplicity and musicality that he brings is something I aspire to.

[@jimfitzgerald6510]

Tha battle is over but the war goes on. There was more soul in that voice and drum play than in 99% of all the music out there today.

[@IggyM]

Its just that simple 😅 Amazing to hear him describe how he approaches it after all these years, thanks for posting this

[@debrakirkwood4787]

I am lucky to walk and talk at the same time.

[@trevorwoolley3375]

I've never heard a song befoe with just a singer and a drummer without missing other instruments, Levon was the the main man

[@ShakingTwoTrees2012]

So humble and yet likely the most incredible singing drummer of all time!

[@mattryan6886]

RIP drumming legend Levon Helm. A true master of his craft.

[@backachershomestead]

An absolutely amazing person. So much talent that we will never see in today's music.

[@777bigbird]

It was in his soul , he was part of all of it. I'm so glad I got a chance to play with him at Shaddens BBQ store during his filming of HWY 61. Humble and sincere. Loved him . Rip my friend

[@robbiewarren1946]

my god it makes me incredibly sad that music isn't done like this anymore.levon helm and the rest of the gentleman in "the band" are truly masters of their craft and musician s today could stand to take a page from levon helms book. god bless you mr helm you truly were one of a kind and even though youre body has moved on your influence and soul will live on.

[@PelleKuipers]

I hope you've spent the last 5 years discovering all the great bands that do exist.

[@dannyherron9455]

Wow, just Wow. An amazingly talented drummer, singer, and all around decent human being, gone too soon. Only The Good Die Young

[@cycleguy666]

Loved Levon my whole life and still do!! Glad to have his recordings and have some video too!!

[@aarond23]

Its Sangin' when it comes to Levon! Legend!

[@mcaddicts]

Such a great drummer and his voice was so distinctive. Not too mention a very down to earth man.

[@bytoriasnowdoggy]

Dig it! Thanks for posting... Mr. Levon Helm (R.I.P.)

[@gordyn5292]

Coolest fuckin' cat that ever lived. You are sorely missed Levon!!

[@edwardpate6128]

RIP Levon, still missing you down here!

what a lovely man, I miss him

[@lucasquirino]

Levon was a genius! God bless.

[@TorkG8]

You can just hear that "Band" sound ..even when Levon just drums on his own!

[@johnsoltanas2647]

To answer your question Levon just kicks ass and continues to inspire people. Amazes me how it sounds with him playing a groove and singing a good melody and the song comes through strong.

[@jlbsr1959]

anymore? wow I learned somuch from Levon....my saddness, he's gone and I didnt pick up the drums until I was 52......god I wish I started sooner...thanks for a great post

[@BaldwinBay]

Inspirational. Great lyrics. The beat goes on Levon... Even when your gone... Levon the beat goes on...🥁

[@fing6966]

What a great musician and a hell of a drummer. R.I.P

[@DanJamesResonators]

My two favorite drummers on this planet-Levon and Randy-Thanks guys

[@bradlangton1549]

A Great man and a great musician, you are surely missed, RIP Levon Helm

[@jamessholtz6016]

An American Icon.

[@fess04]

genius!!!!!!!!! that made me feel good......how many drummers can really get you feelin that way......genius.....pure genius

[@timekeeper46]

Best online drum lesson ever............Thanks, Levon

[@larrytate5605]

Levon sang and played like his life depended on it,.........take note millennials, this is class.

[@jimstone6071]

I read where Levon said something very similar 40 years ago....and this has been they way I drummed my entire life......on e on the best of all time here folks,,I also met Mr helm in Nashville years later and ask him about this and he basically said the same thing..and he was a AWSOME man to take time with a 20 year old kid he helped me tremendously.....AWSOME man

[@Maxroffe56]

Man, I love his sangin'.

[@aceofspades856]

Rest in peace, Levon, you will be missed.

[@beanseff]

levon was truly one of a kind!!!

[@davehaller6477]

Such a beautiful voice and a soulful drummer. You can'r replicate this with with a machine and why this music is superior than most of what is being made today.

[@drummercook60]

Levon, you are one talented dude, all natural baby!

[@nelsonlugo45]

LOVE FOR LEVON, Y'ALL

[@Lana-jj9lv]

In complete love & awe of him to this very day!

[@jameswhiteside1506]

And I can't even sing in the shower. Mr. Helm has to be one of the best . R.I.P.

[@Strokecity1]

Levon = Genius! :)

[@blackfinjrblackfinjr3555]

I’ve never drummed in my life, but it looks hard as hell. I had to go watch some stuff from the Last waltz after watching this. Rest in Peace Levon Helm.

[@daveyboy8907]

He was awesome.Levon had soul and passion and that's what it takes to make real music.

[@tonecenter1187]

humble, groovy af, full of creativity and joy. thank you levon!

[@edwardharding8148]

Wow , I have always admired his simplicity and groove. One thing though, I would need to stabilize that wobbly snare stand! LOL

[@DC-hd5bo]

Levon was the man for sure

[@richardbuskill6977]

He was an all-around musician one of the greats if not the greatest Love for Levon member of God's ultimate band

[@beboploo]

take note kids

[@JasonCleghorn1975]

This. This is what musical genius looks like.

[@TheKiller-yh3pi]

By God, It's gonna take more than one!We're talkin NOTES, here..

[@MJROCKS4eva100]

daa doo doo daa daa dooo

[@Vor_Tex_Sun]

I am a singing drummer. We are a rare breed. The fact that we are out there means drummers can provide more and makes the band unique

[@jimkobe64]

I never learned anything as much as in the last 4 mins 52 seconds drum tutorial from Levon Helm!!!!

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

LEGEND!

[@uzieric1]

As a drummer of 20 years I still find it very very difficult to sing and play like Levon does. Wish I could because it would be a whole new dimension of fun. But I just cant. Credit to a rock and American legend Mr. Helm.

[@stkittsdave1]

uzieric1 I like to take my foot off the bass drum if I start to struggle while singing and playing--it means you sacrifice a bass drum stroke or two yes--but I find I keep better rhythm--which is the most important thing after all.

[@paulhargreaves5467]

Jimmy barnes

[@paulhargreaves5467]

@

[@gordonwest5505]

I am smiling big time. Some people have a way. Love Levon.

[@daveyboy8907]

Smooth as silk.Levons the man.

[@joelmiddaugh8229]

Such a charming little drummer and singer, one of a kind singer.

[@darrenreynolds5600]

I could listen to him speak all day!

[@lilbigmanrecords1708]

Funny I've watched him so much I learned this via observation but it's so rad to hear

[@VeryScaryBiscuits]

"the main tickle"

[@danieljulian4676]

The gen-you-wine art-tickle.

[@antoni7515]

Soooooo much groove!!! Lol. How does he get that much groove in his drumming, as well as singing?! Theres only one Levon Helm!! thanks for uploading! :-)

[@andrews9577]

I love Levon Helm. A master!

[@timryan2058]

Hes so awesome!

[@shanephillips1730]

Three cords and the truth, with a back beat. Long live Levon.

[@sparx550]

Master class.

[@Nevernow721]

"Honey you know, I'd die for you!" Sang it Levon.

[@joshuareid7383]

Phil Jordan Ophelia!

[@1022rebelreddog]

levon is such a funky drummer.. and solid too.

[@6CrazyHorse]

So much talent

[@robin7771]

Taking lessons from the master. I love this man.

[@christopherbako]

He was Amazing...drums and vocals. He also had Rock n Roll stories 💥

[@driftworks4age]

Speechless!!!!

[@mrt7954]

Legend...The Man

[@rt09pachuau21]

How he shifts his shoulders about is so cool.. Especially in that live performance of the song The Weight from The last waltz album.

[@BrohamAdam]

Amazing

[@theslavesofhabit6403]

Amazing ! What a nice feel!!!

[@beatlelennon9168]

True legend levon.