"Levon Helm: The Making of Electric Dirt"

Electric Dirt (Dirt Farmer Music/Vanguard Records) is the second album in the last two years from American musical treasure Levon Helm. Its predecessor, Dirt Farmer, his first solo LP in a quarter century, followed Levons near-miraculous recovery from throat cancer, and as such represented a new lease on life for the legendary artist, who rose to prominence as the drummer and vocalist for Levon and the Hawks, which later became The Band.
The accolades poured in after Dirt Farmers release in the fall of 2007. This album is nothing less than a return to form by one of the most soulful vocalists in rock history, raved the San Francisco Chronicle, reflecting the universal sentiment. Levon was named Artist of the Year by the Americana Music Association, and the album was awarded the 2008 Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Recording. Meanwhile, Rolling Stone hailed Helms Midnight Ramble, which takes place monthly at Levon Helm Studios-a.k.a. The Barn-in his longtime home of Woodstock, N.Y., as 2008s Best Jam Session.

[@FRANKJOSEPHROKOBCASEYSLEGZ]

I'M A CRIPPLE 51 year old...i shore could use a break in life...my insurance was cut and all that i worked for (after 2 painful back surgeries)...is sadly fading away...i love your soulful music (heart)...sir...i cen sure use a break...i'm a God fearin' man...your music is "automatic" to me...franky

[@42awww]

Ever hear a song for the first time and you automatically LOVE it but you don't know who does it or any words. Well, I heard "When I go away" and it nearly took my head off. Thank GOD for computers, and I found out it was Levon, bought Electric Dirt and have not taken it out of my stereo in 3 months. One song after another becoming a favourite. I put "When I Go Away" up there with Like a Rolling Stone or any seminal rock song. It is truly brilliant

[@jazcat6822]

I was always sort of a fan of The Band. When I saw this CD on Amazon, I'm not sure what drew me to it but I bought it note unheard. I was truly blown away at how good it was! Surprising for a hardcore rock chick like me! Levon's vocals are still so strong, the same voice from all those years ago. I'm now planning to go back and get DIRT FARMER, pronto!

[@marlinmealer6506]

. . .when I first saw this I knew the backstory that at one point he was told he couldn't sing anymore. . . I thought the first few seconds was the most powerful thing I've ever seen filmed. I still think that to this day.

[@PampersPete]

Amazing! I'm reading "This Wheels On Fire" right now. Amazing book. Amazing song. Amazing guy. Amazing singer. Amazing drummer. Just an all around amazing life.

[@halnwheels]

Round two for Levon! His reinvented voice sounds like he's lived a lifetime with it, and the production quaility of the Dirt Farmer/Electric Dirt CD's is SO GOOD. His book's a good read too.

[@OziahsWrath]

This is a GREAT video. Watching this as I'm starting to hear the news of Levon's passing. He was such a LEGEND. I will always love his voice and his music. Rest in Peace Mr. Helm.

[@redeyexpress1]

Thanks so much for sharing some of this great man's work and thoughts. I can taste my family's sorrow and plight from Oklahoma and the Dust Bowl in Levon. Dirt farmers helped build this great country, only to watch it dwindle down into a entitlement mentality. The death of the working man has arrived.

[@everysandwich]

Fantastic. "Music for the sake of doing it." That pretty much summarizes why I can't get enough music from this magical crowd.

[@Free1108]

Levon was just nominated for a Grammy for Electric Dirt. Second year in a row (and he won last year for Dirt Farmer!) About time he receive recognition for his contributions!!! Congrats Levon!!!!

[@imprettystoned]

An American classic! Can't wait.

[@handidrummed]

I haven't been brought to tears over the loss of someone I've never met before many times in my life... the last time recently and will be for a long time was when Levon passed.

[@dreadful425]

The best new cd I have bought in years! Keep up the great work, guys. They don't make music like that any more!

[@jugfish]

Yes! Levon is the best. I loved him the first time I heard him.

[@scottsdunlop]

I simply can not wait!!!!

[@imprettystoned]

Yes!Can't wait.

[@neenwright99]

look how happy this man is! what a guy. the loss of him is enormous

[@guitarkenny]

CONGRATULATIONS to Levon, Larry, and the rest of you wonderful peeps - bout time - well, the cream always rises to the top, doesn't it? Best - Kenny Davis

[@Markgr122]

Just got Electric Dirt and it truly is one of the best. Period. Great songs including the incredible When I go Away by Larry Campbell and Growing Trade by Larry and Levon. And the versions of Pop Staples Move Along Train ,I wish I knew how it would feel to be free and Tennesee Jed are just what you want.Plus Kingfish,etc,eTHANK YOU LEVON AND ALL THE GREAT MUSICIANS IN HIS BAND

[@MandolinJack]

This man is an inspiration to us all!!!

[@WanderinJack]

I gotta figure out how to get to Woodstock, NY for Levon's annual NYE show.

[@moscowguitarman]

I'd just like to say Electric Dirt is great. Levon Helm is inspiring.

[@Markgr122]

just wonderful................

[@sllywbt]

Awesome!!!!

[@ROCKSTARCRANE]

This music has saved my soul.

[@harhar58]

Great Artist

[@docmmealer]

The First 45 seconds is possibly the MOST POWERFUL 45 seconds I have EVER seen on film after I heard the story that years ago he was told he'd NEVER sing again and to hear him just shout YOU GOT A MOVIN ON TRAIN ooh man just so powerful

[@gmucsg]

yea baby that intro was from mountain jam IV. i was front row. awesome time

[@LocalRailfan]

Chest Fever, that song is out of this world

[@harhar58]

@LadyColnbrook Thank you..that's what it is..magic chemistry that happens once in a great while..whatever it is..they certainly had it!!

[@LfrVt]

levon is my hero

[@drummer78]

He was clean shaven through much of the 80's. He got rid of the beard probably back around 2000 or so. He grew one fairly recently though.

[@sgcmovies]

RIP

[@ensamistan2]

Levon is the MAN!!! Bosse Saxell

[@brokenglasseye]

They don't come much cooler than this guy.

[@emmylunatic]

Save me and carry me home.........

[@darlenemagee6351]

🙏💕🤗

[@darlenemagee6351]

💕🤗💕🤗🎵💞🎶🎵

[@owenwilberforce6138]

I would really like to know the tuning Larry used on the slide guitar used on Tennessee Jed. None of the usual open tunings I am familiar with work. I believe they are playing in C but could not make out what the guitar tuning was for Larry. By the way, the version on Electric Dirt to me surpasses the Dead version by a country mile, no offense to Jerry and the boys. Levon just had that country twang and gritty feel that just made the song cook. Anyone help me with that tuning I’d be much obliged.

[@guitarkenny]

I kinda like Larry's gutiar solo more than Garth's organ. And it's really a tribute to Garth.

[@majorhoop]

robbie was brilliant no doubt about it......but levon is a force of nature......

[@MarchDad]

in response to psirou ...a beard is just some chin hair. It's not the man...or who he is. ...& I'm a long time...36 years...or more...bearded guy. 56 years old now...sometimes ya wake up & shave. who cares? listen to the music. Caught Levon at the Beacon / NYC ...not terribly long ago...late winter / early spring '09. Incredible stuff. Levon is the man. Kudos to Larry Campbell...& Amy Helm. ...& everyone else involved...Donald Fagan ...Phoebe Snow..., etc.

[@Richomedicen89]

does anyone know the microphone used on the toms??

[@Link0skate]

sorry for my ignorance, but, i would know what are the songs at 0:00 & 0:46

[@Gary198101]

daniel lopez Train and Tennessee both are on the Electric Dirt Album.

[@psirou]

Uuhh... Since when did he get rid of the beard? I knew him mostly from the band, so...

[@harhar58]

@LadyColnbrook

[@KonigdesUrwalds]

whats ur point?

[@Markgr122]

@zangfred -hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha yeah

[@AGENTARMES]

Most people get greyer as they age. not Levon, he got younger and mrore COLORFUL