Levon Helm Ramble At The Ryman "The Weight" on PBS

Excerpt from PBS Special "Levon Helm Ramble At The Ryman" premiered nationwide on August 2009. Featuring John Hiatt, Sheryl Crow, Buddy Miller, Sam Bush. Join legendary musician and singer Levon Helm as he brings his Midnight Ramble to the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Check you local PBS listings.

[@cb8375]

Dying from cancer and 70+ years old and can sing better and play better than any new musicians on the market today. As a drummer myself, Levon is my biggest musical influence. I just wish I could sing a fraction of as good as he could. RIP Levon. I’m sure you are leading Heavens Band.

[@timothyclark1493]

Who is the harmonica player here???

[@barbarabolinger2534]

Totally agree. Also a Southern gentleman. His personality was a special

[@foobarmaximus3506]

no

[@Gambler56]

perfect

[@claystaggs8908]

I’m a drummer myself and Levon is a big influence. He was great at what he loved to do

[@Blackwater_Jack]

2025 and still here jammin with Levon and the boys.

[@retiredyeti5555]

Despite his weight loss and haggard look, Levon played and sang with fervor. One of the greats, sorely missed. Now it is 2023, just rewatched it, and wondered how many folks in that crowd realized that the talent of Levon and associates would rarely be seen again.

[@tonyjofenig6833]

Levon always looked super slight, even when he was young, but he always sang and played like a heavyweight.

[@fedbumoz987]

Levin played and sang forever, he is souly missed. RIC

[@lawrencemay8671]

Loved his roles as Chuck Yeager’s sidekick in “The Right Stuff” and as the sage in “SHOOTER” loved the line after Mark Whalburg said “are you sure their dead” He said “Yes I’m sure, still have the shovel in my shed”👻

[@johncheek2207]

It truly brings a tear to one's eye😢

[@koDaffi]

He was always that skinny, he was only 5' 8". For the life he lived on road he died an old age. He knew he'd never see 100, none of us will most likely and if you are than be thankful. He lived more in his time on this Earth than many of us combined. He wasn't born with money and nor did he die with it, money doesn't equal happiness. Good music, family, and friends is all you need.

[@jameservinmedia]

I have never seen anyone in a live show communicate as much raw joy while playing, as Levon Helm.

[@leavemealone0819]

Agreed. He's been one of my favorites since I stumbled on the last waltz almost 20 years ago now

[@lewisc215]

Try Jimmy Buffett.

[@michalmcquaite4698]

I can't HELP but smile, every time I watch him.sing and play.

[@LuAnnHeston]

Levon was amazing, I'm 66 years old, I grew up w The Band. His passion, his voice, RIP

[@jackstueve4419]

Levon spoke late often of how the midnight rambles of his youth influenced him His life and music went full circle; from the Arkansas tent shows of his youth, to the stadiums, and finally back to the Woodstock rambles at his barn. I truly believe 60 years from now there will be an old musician talking about the influence Levon had on him when he was a kid, and I hope that kid can pass on the music, the gentleness, and the love Levon gave us all.

[@larrypower8659]

I’m already doing that and I’m “only” 73!

[@divad111352]

I am certainly trying to keep his memory alive with my drumming and singing.

[@jofornes6206]

Fadin fast! Brilliant!

[@davidhallam8858]

YES!!

[@larrydaiell]

Right on, Mr. Jack Stueve !!! I couldn't have said it better myself, so I'm not even going to try!!! 👍👌✌️

[@markdelille7927]

Levon was having a blast that night. What a class act. Chills down my spine at the 5 minute mark as Chery Crow stands back and Amy and Levon lock eyes to sing that last verse. It really doesn't get any better than that. RIP Levon Helm

[@beverlycompton8182]

Never be anyone like Levon Helm! RIP Sir!

[@jd70HJ19]

Someday , someday if we awake to a better reality than the present , curing cancer will become a real priority versus going to Mars or Pluto ...we will never find there anyone like LAVON LEVON HELM to entertain us and stir our emotions . Being from the same generation as Levon`s enabled me to enjoy his music and influence sooner than many later discovered in time. Thank you Levon , rest in God`s eternal peace

[@murph3001]

Well said thank you

[@dianaspears571]

Yes indeed

[@vanceowen8174]

Damn...I Miss Ya, Levon...

[@fomoco1454]

I can say that Levon Helm was one of the most nicest and gentlest people that I've ever had the privlege of meeting. Thank you for all, Mr.Helm

[@gomerpyle842]

Greatist people i eved et

[@MrJimc2]

One of the saddest days for music but a joyful day in heaven. God MUST be a fan of Levon and The Band.

[@MsAdesio]

Well said

[@williamjenkinsiii70]

Wouldn’t that be a sight to see the man upstairs and Levon sitting around in deep conversation. RIP Levon !!

[@felixnathansen3801]

Just cried!

[@russellschuh1556]

You ❤ Know He Is ! He Created Them !!!

[@tulsatombob2769]

I had the honor of playing bass in the opening act for Levon Helm in Tulsa a few years ago. He was a very nice and down to earth person. Levon was in the class of the best of the best musicians that never sold out, like the late J.J. Cale and Leon Russel. They will all be missed but never forgotten. They left us their timeless gift of some of the best music of the 20th century.

[@mrmockatoo6786]

Bob, the three gents you mentioned were among my favourite musicians in my formative years as a guitarist/songwriter in Australia. Great talents, all of them.

[@mgmassey174]

Utter gentleman.i had the honor of sitting up late talking baseball with him..Danko and Hudson. Totally good guys.. Bless them

[@bjm8238]

You hit my three favorites in one wack! Man they are great!

[@Gambler56]

you are correct Bob glad you have thoes good memories thanks

[@gullreefclub]

I consider myself so fortunate to see Levon Helm’s live in concert. Levon’s love and enthusiasm for playing music just oozed through the venue and enveloped the audience with his love for playing music. I cried the day I heard the news that Big Daddy G called Levon home to play drums in his Pearly Gates band and after listening to ever record, cassette tape, reel to reel tape, CD, song I had of Levon playing my sadness passed because I knew that he no longer had to suffer the ravages of F#cking Cancer and could now play all day and night long without ever getting tired. God Bless you Levon Helm you were and ever will remain a legendary music man to me.

[@robfrye4664]

Mr. Helm obviously LOVED his work, and was damn good at it! I followed his wonderful career for decades, couldn't get enough. So sad he's gone- but he'll never be forgotten! A fine, fine man!

[@sunflower5143]

Amazing. Everyone in the band and in the audience seemed to be emitting pure joy through that song. Such a classic and Helm was one of the best. RIP.

[@fbmilk]

don't say rock and roll is dead, Levon brought it back to life with the midnight rambles, and if everything goes as it should that magical old barn will be saved one more time, and the ramble will go on forever.....Levon may be gone but as long as there's still thousands upon thousands of people listening to and playing his music rock will never die

[@scray00]

I think often about doc, Levon and all the others up in heaven playing music for the lord. and my father now no longer a diabetic and blind, watching them play all day and night without a single thing to worry about, because god is taking care of them all. ❤️

[@marcusbuckner5582]

Couldn’t agree with you more…..✝️❤️✝️ God is Love……..

[@michaeldavidfigures9842]

Love Leon, and been a fan for over 50 yrs. But when I think sbout Levon one thing will always stay with me. Levon as Jack Ridley in The Right Stuff. One of the greatest characters ever brought to life on film. Hard to accept he's gone.

[@paulettestoddard4624]

Levon’s genius will always be with us. His music never dies.

[@cheryllefort1209]

Heaven sure has one heck of a band....

[@tom.hoffmann6585]

Cheryl Levon was part of Heaven on earth 😇

[@evaadams8298]

Cheryl Lefort and levon will in the front!!

[@Beserker3737]

Amazing voice, and so solid behind the drums. What a legend. I really enjoyed watching the last verse that he and Amy sang together. RIP Levon...

[@RebelChild09]

RIP Levon Helm

[@chuckturner6984]

"Drummers shouldn't sing, except Levon Helm." Joe Strummer of The Clash

[@RayNDeere]

And this after Levon fought off cancer, lost and then regained his voice. Levon finally got his due in his later years with his solo work like Dirt Farmer. He was the finest kind.

[@colinstewart3699]

Don Henley was another drummer who could sing a song or two eh ?

[@larrydaiell]

@@chuckturner6984 Joe Strummer wasn't a drummer. He was the regular lead singer, minus the occasional Mick Jones tune. He would pick up a guitar 🎸 every now and then, but not very often and (if he were still with us, I'm pretty sure that he'd tend to agree) not very well!

[@orkycathcart6397]

THERE WILL NEVER EVER BE ANOTHER HUMAN SUCH AS LEVON HELM !!!!!!!

[@lesschoenberger3070]

Oh man, when he and John shake hands at the beginning and then you hear Levon start singing, the eyes just well up with tears, who didn't love Levon?

[@claystaggs8908]

I love to see the audience up on their feet movin, dancin, and clappin instead of sitting there dead. Good music and musicians make ya wanna get up and move around

[@bobbyosborne2375]

Imagine jamming with Levon. Extremely jealous of everyone that had the opportunity to play music with him, and EXTREMELY happy for them at the same time. RIP Levon. You are missed. Especially nowadays when music is awful. I wish we could get back to this. When music came from the soul, and was written with conviction, heart, and tastefulness.

[@user-qy9tf2im7f]

The joy Levon demonstrates in still performing this Classic is amazing!

[@elvez1231]

"Hey there, Mr. Owner-man - you gotta real nice cause in there - I hope you do well with it..." - spoken minutes after The Band played a marathon 2 hour 45 minute set in Chattanooga, TN. 1994. We, they, everyone was exhausted - truly the musical highlight of my life. Plus - I was fortunate enough to get Levon a quarter ounce of weed - thank you D - after he'd been without for a week or so - LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL it was fucking incredible!

[@johnknottenbelt2502]

You good thaaang ! Memories are some of the few things we get to keep forever.

[@mikeroki3806]

so, 70 years old, dying from throat cancer. and he belted this out. i feel sorrow that i dind;t go to a ramble in woodstock with my buddy Tommyc

[@meeder78]

I don't know why but every time I listen to the Weight I get goosebumps. Something in the melody and lyrics hits home every time.

[@Parker53151]

It seems like Buddy Miller alway shows up in the background of videos like this, smiling, playing awesome guitar.

[@eddiestorey9633]

I saw Levon the September before he pass and it was an amazing performance. I knew that he wasn’t well but I had no idea he would pass just a few short months after that. I’m thankful I got to see him live, he is missed by the world ❤

[@andrewedwards5896]

I close my eyes to that voice and fall in love again with music , thank you SIR !!!

[@mikefowler2417]

The joy in this performance is incredible

[@dongriffis9106]

There aren't many things that make me cry, but Levon Helm was one. From his sweet soft mandolin on incredible love ballads like "It Makes No Difference"; his shouting out rockers like "The Shape I'm In" -- all the way decades later to the hard rural songs on his "Electric Dirt", he had that understated, appropriate drumming with the mystical voice that moved me to tears. They're almost all gone now -- God Bless you Levon, sleep well and enjoy your many musicians and friends waiting on you there.

[@louisquinones3164]

I met, ate,smoked,played music with levon in santa Monica one summer. He was the most down to earth person I had ever met in my life. We had such a great time especially when Gene Clark of the Byrd's walked in,then Billy Preston and Harry Dean staton. We all had such a great time that's what I called my great ole days. I'll always, oh and I left out my great friend Royce D. Applegate, without him, I would've never had met all these great legendary musicians. RIP Royce,levon,Billy and IRA Miller. Miss you all forever.

[@stefanstanca8410]

Levon Helm is a monument in music rock and country. Great man!

[@reallyel]

True, he was one of the nicest, genuine people I ever met, he played at my club in 1989 with the Allstars, in Liberty, NY on South Main street, one of the best shows we had over the 5 years we were open. The Pursuit of Happiness cafe and music club. He offered to leave all the equipment and come the very next day to play again, but i had to decline even though I would have loved it. i wasn't sure we'd have enough people to pay the extra fee, a decision then i had to make in a minute. Wish I had it to do over again.

[@ekanang7550]

This America, we always admired. This was the America I wanted to be. Long time ago. Things have changed.

[@imeagles]

Good to see so many young people in the audiences that enjoys such great classic. God bless you Levon.

[@stevenwagle1101]

If there has ever been a sweeter, smoother Rock and Rock drummer than Levon Helm, I'm sure I don't know who it would be!

[@jeanc819]

Watching Levon Helm play it's clear that making people happy was his calling and music, its vehicle. What a great performance.

[@matthewbailey2013]

It's late 2020, and I am so glad I got to THIS church !

[@JHamilton263]

Since I heard the news that Levon died, I've been listening to his music and understandably, feeling quite sad. I felt as if he left something unfinished or there was more living he should have been allowed to do. This video gives me closure. The happiness in Levon in this video is amazing. Seeing him doing what he did best, as well as he ever did it, straight until the end really speaks to how complete his life was. I'm still sad he's gone, but you can't say he didn't live a full life. RIP

[@skipstein744]

Thank you Levon for all the music you and your friends made... you are missed.

[@sethcragan6908]

Seeing Buddy Miller on that stage makes my heart smile. I have been a fan of he and his wife Julie for over 30 years now... Good to see I got it right.. Lol.

[@mbnyus]

I'm listening this song everyday for the last 6 weeks and I can't get rid of it. Love this song..!!

[@stevec6455]

Bless the heart of that great Levon Helm.

[@BarneyDavey]

I'm humbled to have seen them play and now see this remarkable soul-stirring display of humanity. God Bless Levon Helm.

[@davidclements7696]

Levon's delight to hear John Hiatt sing his song is wonderful!

[@misterrei1]

RIP Levon. Play with friends both old and new and let the heavens ring with sweet harmonies.

[@ronkirk5099]

Browsing through the CD's in a thrift store, I happened on a Levon Helm CD and what a great treasure of music for a dollar. I feel like I struck gold.

[@frankstackowitz9234]

Great performance of a signature song. Levon truly was the heart of The Band

[@williambrown6721]

How time has changed!! I'm so glad I was able to grow up during the 60s 70s and so forth today's music industry! ... just don't have it together. Or is it just me?...is that why people say you have to roll with the changes?

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

Levon Helm is a national treasure. His role in the Shooter movie is epic. God bless this man.

[@jonneal7163]

Simply an epic performance. Gods speed.❤️🙏

[@justsomeguy820]

Sittin' here grinnin' watching this, on my 4th time now, still grinnin'.

[@mikeburton8916]

Can’t believe the people just setting in their chairs, get the hell up and celebrate this man.

[@mikeschmiedel6140]

Danke Levon, Rick, Manuel, Robby und Garth ! Ihr habt mit eurer Musik mehr als nur Freude bereitet ! Ihr habt Menschen geprägt !! Danke !!

[@jettechdonatkins]

How cool was this! Seeing Levon and Amy singing together is the tops.Everyone here was great,but Levon is a legend who is missed so much.

[@drumhead75]

There’s so much feeling and joy in the music coming off that stage that’s missing today. God it sure would be nice to unwind things a few years to enjoy this again.

[@colinmikesell1487]

I love this performance of "The Weight" by Levon Helm. He was always good to her, and it shows.

[@joegoliver3]

Watched this on my lunch break in the car eating fast food. Literally made me tear up. Beautiful man he was

[@raggedcompany1225]

George Recile, Dylan's drummer on shaker and tambourine behind Levon. Such a great night of music in the best hall I've ever had the good fortune to be in .

[@alfredhouston6202]

I concur whole heartedly! The Band came at a tune when they were fusing so many genres that we didn't yet know what to call it; Americana, Southern Rock, Folk, Blues --WHAT??? All I can say is they had had us mesmerized along with groups like Little Frat. Levon Helm was a great vocalist, drummer and actor. He was taken far too soon and is sorely missed. R.I.P Mr. Helm.

[@WilliamClarke-ej7by]

Just Privileged to witness!

[@hughmanatee7657]

Great surrealist song. Never fails to pull everyone in!

[@freeboman65]

There is no one like Levon . His statue should be on Mt. Rushmore . The man is an icon

[@oscarcestari3080]

One of the bests songs from Levon Helm. Congratulations Levon.!!!

[@darrelldadams]

nothing better than watching a musician having a good time on stage.

[@pageribe2399]

I always marvel at people who can sing while playing drums! It see s impossible, but there he is!

[@gmonteri48]

This late in his life he could still sing and play. A great musician.

[@jonEbeeGood]

Levon, One of the greatest in the music industry ever !!!

[@tom.hoffmann6585]

A perfect song in a perfect place by a perfect group !

[@TheBatugan77]

How can you not love Levon? Always will! ♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️

[@philexile0]

One of my heroes. God bless The Band.

[@mydogchance195]

When you look up in the sky, and the sun is so bright it burns your eyes, that is the white of Levon's teeth as he smiles down from heaven! RIP brother.......see you soon.

[@daveinindy]

... just cruising through some of the legends here on KZbin, ... looking for performances where the bands seemed to be having the time of their lives. This is certainly one of them - can only imagine what playing with Levon was like. Clearly, these folks were loving it - and at the Ryman to top it off.

[@markstone3736]

Levon is awesome. Miss his music

[@Crossbow0106]

Just absolutely wonderful. I miss Richard, Rick and Levon a lot.

[@alanyupongau8404]

Happy music. All musicians were happy and enjoying jamming together

[@bil4doe]

Another era passes. Rockin' In Paradise Levon

[@mikedurhan9941]

What a talent and a seemingly nice guy. The world is a better place for having received Levon Helm.

[@robertforrest9021]

The Band of Stars in Rock and Roll Heaven grows even larger. When my days on Earth come to an end and the Sun sets on my resting body I hope to see the Stars reunited once again

[@frankcanary3852]

I've heard many, many versions of this song by many artists. Every one is great. My all time favorite song. Wish I saw The Band in person

[@tom.hoffmann6585]

Frank you are so right !

[@tyecook9630]

Levon was simply a beautiful man, God rest his soul...

[@alanyupongau8404]

What a very happy group of musicians. Thank you Levon and RIP

[@dnealgail8244]

Gosh ... I love this guy! RIP Levon!

[@jimferguson3863]

Thanks Levon! You were the best and remember listening to The Band in my teens. RIP

[@jimmytatum9255]

Always Been A Favorite Times ☕🇺🇸✌️🤍❤🎵🎶

[@beansbeans4551]

God bless you Levon. I sure do miss that guy.

[@stephaniesmith9715]

It doesn't get any better than this.

[@paulheinz2145]

Levon, Robby Roberts and THE BAND were Monumental in the Rock Era.

[@rkwilli100]

Knowing how it would all end just a short 36 months later, that last verse sung with his daughter breaks my heart. "Catch a cannonball now to take me on down the line, My bag is sinking low and I believe it's time." One last waltz between a daddy and his little girl. In hindsight it almost seems like he is telling her goodbye.

[@cabsep]

I love this. The performers look like they're having so much fun and enjoying there music. This is the kind of concert I like going to. Just good fun music.

[@craigschaffer828]

Brings a tear to my eyes...

[@greekadmirer2204]

An amazing array of musicians and amazing audience enjoying themselves. Is that not what it’s all about ❤❤❤

[@OnTheRoadWithAndre]

Oh, what a loss to us all... He inspires me even now, and I'm thankful that he was given a second chance at his career after his surgeries and treatments, and releasing Dirt Farmer and Electric Dirt to bring his beautiful talent to the masses once again, on his own terms... Rest peacefully, Levon....before you're departure, you raised the bar for all of us....

[@murraywestenskow2896]

The Weight is a perfect song. People love to perform it - and people love to hear it performed. I have a goal to hear every cover, ever made.

[@geespar1]

Great performance of a fantastic song, I loved the shots of the audience as well