Levon Helm - "Tennessee Jed" on Letterman 7/9 (TheAudioPerv.com)

www.theaudioperv.com Levon Helm performed "Tennesee Jed" on the Late Show with David Letterman on 7/9/09.

[@waltzie88]

What soul. Not even throat cancer could kill the music in this man. A lost National Treasure. RIP

[@exdemocrat9038]

Well said.

[@hubertsumlin9697]

Right On

[@dougpotosky4102]

So much respect for Levon. A friend took me to a Rambling Barn session in Woodstock. I did not know it was his birthday. After the last song of the evening. Levon had so much joy in face. He walked through the crowd smiling. Walked up to me and shook my hand. I just stood there thinking. This is one amazing human being. Hope your playing drums and singing in some great band in Heaven! Thank You! LEVON!

[@crimdell]

One of the coolest guys who ever lived.

[@davesiler4064]

Levon, how we miss you, friend!

[@MFPhoto1]

I saw Levon Helm in concert about two years prior to his death. At one point, he came off the drums to play the mandolin for a few songs. Some young kid in his 20's took over the drums for those songs, and you could hear the difference. Helm at 70 was still one of the strongest drummers in the business.

[@sassulusmagnus]

My girlfriend and I saw him at the Nickelodeon club in Toronto back in the 70's after the breakup of The Band. Cate Brothers were his supporting band. At that time Levon's voice was still so powerful you could hear it over and above the club's sound system. The man had an exceptionally powerful singing voice.

[@stephaniebarron52]

Sounds like Lowell George would've been right at home there trading off vocals with Levon. Beautiful!

[@keving9233]

Hear Hear, Stephanie!

[@kariaudar]

As a HUGE Grateful Dead fan, I have listened to many a version of this song, and I have to admit that this version beats them all in terms of swing and flow and groove. Today´s popular music doesn´t totally blow after all! :)

[@sassulusmagnus]

Thanks for posting this. I've watched it 5 times now and my face is sore from smiling. What an uplifting thing to see Levon still kicking it hard. My brother met him once, a few years after The Band broke up. Levon was playing club gigs with the Cate Brothers. At a break my brother got to speak with him. Totally down to earth, very gracious and generous with his time. Filled with the joy of making music. He's a treasure. Hope he stays with us a good long while.

[@davidmiller4078]

What a delight to ser Levon Helm play with all those fantastic musicians He vocal sound is etched onto the music decades what pleasure he and all his musican associates have given us over the years marvalous fun music Obrigardo Levon

[@quartzimaging]

Happy Birthday Levon!

[@fairwayray]

An American treasure!

[@edfriedman4252]

The good Lord broke the Mold with this man, Taken way to soon, I know you are Jamming with Rick and Richard now, R.I.P. Dear Sir.........

[@PageandPlant4Life]

Levon is awesome. Dave is awesome just for knowing Levon is awesome.

[@Greg2600]

I love this song, a great tribute to Jerry from Levon. Young bands should be playing these songs, take notice!!!

[@busenitzsucks]

The horn section is special in this song!

[@marcies3789]

I guarantee Jerry is smiling down watching this

[@jefferyakathedude]

Went to the Ramble in Woodstock last night with Hayes Carll as the warm up act. Definitely the highlight of my trip to New York!

[@peerman2006]

I agree. Thank god we have the internet to gain access to some good music.

[@xybervid]

I can honestly say I'd never heard of Levon until this performance (and I'm no youngster). Blew me away.

[@inatizzy2]

I respect Levon VEERY much for coming back after throat cancer. Not quite the same singer but still awesome drummer. Rock on Levon! Luv Ya!

[@inatizzy2]

OMG. Levon, U still got it baby and u have a TRUE Fan here

[@npspec34]

Saw Levon with a "back-up" drummer warm up for the Dead in the middle of a racetrack in Lewiston, ME on Labor Day W/E 1980. At one point, both GD drummers came out and they played a song with four drummers. Don't see that every day.

[@benmorris6831]

Love Levon Helm. RIP and God Speed!

[@daveyboy8907]

Levon doing the dead.. This is awesome.

[@MrHillbilly49]

GOD BLESS Levon Helm!!!! He was (and still is somewhere) a TREASURE!!!

[@justinevirtue1755]

+MrHillbilly49 Was just thinking that. He's elsewhere, but still uplifting folk. How's that for a legacy?

[@stevebrooks4th]

Levon at 50 percent of his maximum abilities, still absolutely tremendous. It doesn't get any better.

[@linebackerjay]

As a long time touring Deadhead,this is Grate,,,,,,,,,,,Levon rocks!

[@paullybizzle]

much love levon

[@LUTHERPC]

We'll see you on the other side Levon. Thanks for the great music!!

[@kevinfreer6775]

I did not know he played this on Letterman, TY. I had the pleasure to see them 3 times leading up to TLW. IMHO they were the best rock n rollers to ever take the stage ,bar none. Caught the Band minus Robbie post TLW numerous times and was never disappointed. I feel blessed i walked the earth when Levon and Jerry were alive. I got to see the magic .

[@cynthianewman8298]

Wow! Rest in peace Levon. You will always be remembered!

[@kap1492]

Love that slide intro. Seriously one of the best sounds God could make.

[@bluesoverdrivedk]

Larry Campbell is just so fuckin' AWESOME - one of the most underated sidemen ever!! Levon is awesome too..

[@evelynovercash1147]

I agree.

[@leshtricity]

Larry rocks. fortunate enough to have seen him many times with Phil Lesh and Friends.

[@DuneAquaViva]

RIP Dear Friend.."These Hills just ain't the same without you.."

[@kariaudar]

This is the kind of evocative resonant old-timey Americana which both the Band and the Grateful Dead excelled at.

[@spencerp90]

this makes me happy!

[@rjl032653]

We lost a great one. When I first heard Levon Helm, he was singing "Cripple Creek" - it was listening to another era in American music. You will be missed, Levon, - to a life, well lived! {toast}

[@tjcolatrella943]

Happy Birthday Old Friend, these hills just ain't the same without Levon Helm.!

[@kariaudar]

For those of you who don´t know, this song was actually written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter (of the Grateful Dead).

[@dougpotosky4102]

Remember Larry played with the Dead for a while!

[@philvannucci7259]

Robbie Robertson wrote this song.

[@Karmakatt6]

Phil Vannucci Really..!?! Although it certainly has tge "Americana Sound" very much inspiring to Robbie, it was first played by the Grateful Dead in '71 and was first featured on the newly remastered classic, Grateful Dead Europe '72. I will say, that when The Band played and wrote with Bob Dylan, had HUGE inspiration in Jerry Garcias solo work. Look no further than a direct relationship between Robbie/Dylan inspiring one of Jerry's band, Legion of Mary, particularly in a 71 version of (an original Dylan/Band tune) titled Going Going Gone. Perhaps you just got that one confused. Happens to me all the time 😉

[@craigplatel813]

@@philvannucci7259 no he didn't. Unless there was some secret writing credits going on.

[@wangson]

@@philvannucci7259 No he didn't. It's a Grateful Dead song.

[@alancraigie4870]

One of my two favorite Letterman moments. Levon not long to live but immortalized here.

[@joshuakeir3036]

Alan Craigie ...what was the other one?

[@ezpz4333]

We must know!

[@scray00]

@@joshuakeir3036 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqXVioGwotKUbJY I believe this is the other. Watch it all the way don’t skip over the commercial breaks. Levon decided he was going to join the band for the night Gotta love him and his passion to play anywhere.

[@beachmasterX]

Drew Barrymore exposing her breasts? That's gotta be the other moment.

[@inatizzy2]

LEVON! RIP my favorite singer/drummer and a bit of mandolin! Peace for your family.... I am going through this with my Brother... Cancer, and a BAD one.

[@dante-tt9or]

wow, what fantastic sound for this performance. you can really hear a lot of the dynamics in everyone's playing.

[@benlichtman8033]

New Orleans Jed!! Jerry and co. Smiling down. Levon legend

[@primbeast]

Its good to hear some REAL music on TV for a change!!!

[@TheRacboys]

I like ppl that actually have talent

[@jananney]

Love to see Levon live. I can't get enough!

[@coyote023]

Levon is as great a person as he is a drummer.The music world lost 1 of thee best when levon went to the other side.But i do consider myself blessed that i was there when levon played his very simple red drum kit for the last time.

[@caseyctg]

You can hear his voice giving a little, but hey, the fact that he is performing AND SINGING after throat cancer is amazing. Levon rocks!

[@GaryPetrison]

Thanks for the tunes Levon...it's been fun!

[@martiansarepunk]

There's some really good music in the heavens tonight.

[@stevefaure415]

Spot-on perfect song for him to cover.

[@jojordan5868]

Love that Dixieland brass behind Levons voice.

[@rbersoul]

Rest In Peace, one of the most soul felt, happy, brightest musicians who ever lived. Did it up to the day he died and you could really tell he loved what he did.

[@direwolf8124]

I can see Jerry nodding and pushing his glasses up. Great jam everyone knows Levon is a treasure

[@JamesCrossmanOB]

this is awesome. Levon always is surrounded by such talented people! Larry rules! Everyone sounds great!

[@inatizzy2]

Oh yeah! LEVON! Got to respect the man. 70 and still rocking and hittin them drums!

[@Triumph100Rider]

Levon Helm is a national treasure. Last June I went to his barn for the Midnight Ramble. I suggest to anyone that they do that at least once.

[@SuperTrollGuru]

I just want to give him a hug and a thank you.

[@Justin-ci8gf]

levon is incredible

[@IamIamView]

This is a stellar version of TJ. First heard it on The Grateful Dead Channel on Sirius Radio about a year ago. Brilliant!

[@MrBeezer05]

loved levon,He Was the man,Poppa.

[@lumaz71]

loves you, Levon. rest in peace.

[@rinsim]

and he shall be Levon!

[@mondocain]

Jerry Garcia meets The Band. Magic. Both so missed but the music inspires and delights !

[@monoped8437]

levon played with bobby a lot....

[@petersonlafollette3521]

was a logical extension of the Dead, or the other way around- a musical cross pollination...

[@dougpotosky4102]

Larry spent some time playing with the Dead!

[@secoulte]

Jerry played Band songs alot with JGB, the admiration was mutual.

[@daveyboy8907]

@@secoulte yep 2 of the best.

[@MrAMO73]

Must have watched this clip over 100 times in the past couple of years. Gets better every time. God bless you Levon!

[@Nacro22]

Beautiful version!. This is music!! Hi from Spain.

[@rklapsley]

Long Live Levon!! Brings back memories of my youth!!

[@stepka3355]

Oh yeah, he's got that "geezer" sound that I love.

[@jananney]

There never was before, and never wll be again. Not sure how Levon does it- he's unreal. The thought that someone could take a Dead tune and male it there own. ??? I'm a Head, but Levon rocked it!

[@peterchapman1591]

R.i.P sir thank you :)

[@DC3893]

my first exposure to Levon Helm was this Letterman appearance, thankful for it!

[@theboyjordo]

I love this performance. The voice, cracking, but still absolutly on the money, that unmistakable drumming style, and the massive cheesey grin. A giant of a man. RIP.

[@colinwilliams553]

God bless LEVON HELM,That's all I can say.....R.I.P Levon,I'm sure he was waiting for ROBBIE at the "other end" like Robbie promised.

[@TheWoodsrow]

My a choir of angel sing you to heaven and lead them thru eternity God Bless you thank you

[@patrickmalarkeyanoldirishm646]

He's got the beat in him, always cleancut with his vocals and drums.👍

[@inatizzy2]

Considering he had throat cancer and suvived that and still sounds good.... Not the same as he was but still one of my all time heros!! Rock on Levon, I love U!! One of the Greatest and a really good person too.

[@zydecologist]

One year ago today. Thanks, Lee!

[@Anthony1974ist]

What a voice

[@jkajje2945]

miss you levon

[@christopherclark1644]

Man I wish I gotten up to Woodstock for a Ramble.

[@TennesseeJed]

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ this!!

[@jedrogers211]

Thank you very much for performing my "theme song".

[@Elmlock]

David Letterman is good at amping his guest up

[@nancybouchard5803]

Best vocalist and drummer yet. Un f'ing believable. I want to live life like that.

[@kap1492]

While he lived an amazing life, his later years were plaques by cancer and was bankrupt. Dude was dead broke b/c of that no good sombitch Robbie Robertson whole stole everything from The Band. Just like what John Folgerty did to Credence. Levon was and will alway be a favorite of mine. Unique soul he was. Rest easy brother.

[@edwardjohnson9841]

First of all you ignorant fool; it's Fogerty..and FAR more important is that the Manager took all of CCR's money as they signed it away not knowing. Pretty common knowledge you baffoon

[@tyrapp262]

kap1492 you are wrong .. lavon got part publishing on Robbie's songs. lavon got broke because he wasted his money on bad investments and no insurance.

[@davidhoulihan4029]

@@edwardjohnson9841 watch talkin’ ‘bout Willis?

[@eternalpause]

I love that this is the song he chose for letterman!!!

[@60LPsmusic]

His voice makes you want to smile and cry all at once.

[@MrBeezer05]

God bless ya Levon,awesome tune,poppa.

[@servicedogsva]

♡♡♡♡Love and Light to you, Levon♡♡♡♡

[@north005]

I don't see how anyone can listen to rap and commercial pop when instrumental magnificence like this exists...

[@rottinpeach]

Awesome. I saw him at Wanee a couple years back. Thanks for posting

[@Manboythekid]

Rest in peace Levon Helm

[@Rougarou13]

RIP Levon.

[@flynnkid2]

RIP LEVON HELM

[@nospmisj]

Heaven's harmony is a little gritter tonight. RIP Levon.

[@BigAssTuba]

Absolutely correct, Jason! THAT was a giant clam! A half tone sharp! Like the man missed the rehearsal and was sight reading for the first time. And he is a very good tuba player! We all make mistakes! Just so you know, I've been playing tuba since 1965. There is no doubt it was a CLAM, not just a passing tone!

[@golds04]

Imo -Everything the dead after jerry was missing- joy, spirit, fun, excitement , and freshness. Bless you Levon

[@evans5150]

THIS is music.

[@wangson]

What an amazing arrangement of this classic Grateful Dead song!

[@MrTimalex1]

My uncle, a professional drummer, always would pour on the praise for Keith Moon, Ginger Baker,... But I always had an appreciation for Levon Helm and would argue with my uncle about the showmanship, dependability, tight discipline of Levon's approach to 'pounding the skins.' And, there are so many accounts of musicians visiting his farm in Woodstock and experiencing life changing paradigms being in his presence. The heavens have a place for this extraordinary man, Levon we love you!!!!

[@NickDelleMusic]

Levon! What a cool cat, humble enough to play a Dead tune when promoting an album with original songs... I hope where ever you are you can still drink all day and rock all night!