Levon Helm: Eye To Eye With Katie Couric

Рет қаралды 754,928

Күн бұрын

Drummer and singer for The Band, Levon Helm, talks to Anthony Mason about losing his voice to cancer of the vocal chord, and how it returned years later.

Пікірлер: 694

@KR0GG 11 жыл бұрын

A great musician but an even greater man. No "rock star" attitude, no pretense, no sense of entitlement.... How can you not love this guy and by humbled by him? Rest in peace Levon.

@johnscialfa7391 4 жыл бұрын

Well said

@kirby711 3 жыл бұрын

What lovely words for an American treasure He's still with me every time I listen to the Band

@patrickmurphy1803 3 жыл бұрын

Disagree he thought he was entitled to profits from robbie songs,even though he never wrote them, got very bitter about that

@rylankody8863 2 жыл бұрын

I dont mean to be so off topic but does anyone know of a trick to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly forgot my login password. I would appreciate any help you can give me

@declankristian3754 2 жыл бұрын

@Rylan Kody instablaster :)

@erniebuchinski3614 3 жыл бұрын

Levon Helm was a great spirit by any standard, and he enriched the lives of millions. May he rest in peace.

@janicebendixen5319 4 жыл бұрын

His voice and his spirit have been a presence in my life for 43 years. Love that gentleman

@charlesrforman664 10 ай бұрын

The Band was just pure Ameracona

@ParkerAllen2 6 жыл бұрын

He always seemed to me like a man from another era - straightforward and honest to the core.

@Mounhas 10 ай бұрын

Yes, I know exactly what you mean. His voice and character is unforgettable. The Band were unique.

@DEACON006 4 жыл бұрын

His music was “liked” alright. “Liked” by about a hundred million people for about a half century. Life well lived.

@andyinoregon 16 жыл бұрын

Levon Helm's voice, whether speaking or singing, is simply one of the most expressive, evocative instruments the American South has ever produced. Anyone who claims to love music should buy or rent "The Last Waltz" just to watch Levon sing "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." If you're not crying tears of joy by the end of that song you don't have a heart.

@imovedy Жыл бұрын

💯

@sadeyedlady Жыл бұрын

Amen to that

@BrentTheGent1 Жыл бұрын

A song my buddy and me play and sing when he comes around once a week or so.. ❤

@andyinoregon Жыл бұрын

@@BrentTheGent1 I saw Levon perform with daughter Amy and their band at the Oregon Zoo outdoor amphitheater less than two years before he passed. His voice was rough, but he was still Levon Helm.

@BrentTheGent1 Жыл бұрын

@@andyinoregon I must admit that I only got really into "The Band" and Levon in the past year for various reasons but I am hooked. It was an old buddy who was in past for a coffee and he put "TNTDODD" on and my love for music came back after many years of not listening. I am so hooked and have a blister on my ring finger rn from playing along to "Willie and the hand Jive" I have bought several CD's and am totally in love with the "poor old dirt farmer" album. My old mate who is great on guitar comes round and plugs in and I sing so we have a good old time. Life and illness took my joy of music from me for so many years. Do you know of Townes Van Zandt? His song "waitin around to die" hit me in the gut a while back. The old farmer guy who was listening to him sing could not hold back the tears and also did when I saw him. Made me realise something very important about myself and the old video of it holds much "weight"! Boom boom haha. Excuse "the band" pun.... But I found Townes Van Zandt through listening to "The Last Knife Fighter" who I also think is darn awesome. Also a guy with a voice like gravel is "Jay Howie" , please check him out. I am sure you will enjoy his voice and guitar skills. See you on the flip side and thank you for your comment. 🎸

@jimbaldwin1559 6 жыл бұрын

No reason to wonder why people love him. So humble, doesn’t want to admit his greatness. RIP. Glad I made it to a ramble.

@kwacker45 4 жыл бұрын

You are a lucky man

@bretfisher7286 9 жыл бұрын

What a warm and charming man he was.

@kayjay111111 12 жыл бұрын

He was just such a simple man with such extraordinary talents. I remember being 10 years old and watching him in Coal Miner's Daughter (no idea, at that time, of what The Band, and any music beyond simple music, even was). I fell in love with that man from that film because of his beautiful, but simple, goodness, that just shined through. When I was older and realized he was also a gifted drummer and singer I just felt as if we were all gifted with this man's presence.

@samanthab1923 2 жыл бұрын

To this day Loretta Lynn can’t watch him do his scenes, he was so like her Dad. Floored her when he called her Lo-reddy 🥲

@sherp2u1 9 жыл бұрын

R.I.P. you true Gentleman of the South!

@scoopmaster23 12 жыл бұрын

I love this man with his southern country twang. Pure class.

@fishinsolitude 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the beautiful music you created. Levon Helm, RIP.

@thomaskelly8571 2 жыл бұрын

The epitome of true greatness.......he doesn't have to tell you how great he is, he simply shows you every time he goes on stage. Talent, class and humility.....a combination you very rarely see these days.

@sueannmcc41 9 жыл бұрын

I love you, Levon. Your music touches my heart and soul.

@melissaralstonjones1550 9 жыл бұрын

Oh Levon you are so missed everyday....

@brettwyatt7556 6 жыл бұрын

Yes

@williamsanders2439 10 жыл бұрын

The night they drove old Dixie down...RIP Levon, we miss you.

@charlesromero3682 5 жыл бұрын

You are still an insperation to a lot of people including me. RIP Levon Helm and thank you for everything you have taught me.

@Adrian_C.c. 7 жыл бұрын

RIP, Levon, you'll always be remembered.

@dickaldordavid 15 жыл бұрын

Levon Helm has one of the coolest voices and dialects on earth. I love this guy! Dave

@sharpenflat6002 10 ай бұрын

Me too. We should do lunch.

@pwb0511 4 жыл бұрын

Love this man, don’t think he was ever given enough credit for all his achievements, which in itself, is the sign of a kind, unpretentious, beautiful human being. RIP

@imovedy Жыл бұрын

💯

@The5thGen 12 жыл бұрын

One of THE BEST voices in rock history!

@sharpenflat6002 10 ай бұрын

Who?

@danterry6328 5 жыл бұрын

He was such a treasure, gotta love that voice.

@w5cdt 9 жыл бұрын

God bless Levon.

@chuckwilliam4746 4 жыл бұрын

One of the all time great voices didn't even consider himself a singer. Levon was the man.

@showdogchannel 16 жыл бұрын

You can see the joy in his eyes. It has always been there - now that he is older, it shines brighter. God bless this man and all those who love Levon Helm.

@DanielBlackard 9 жыл бұрын

Damn, it's just so sad that he's gone.

@Hoss5678 5 жыл бұрын

I really liked his part in "The Shooter" a very captivating person!

@MontagZoso 4 жыл бұрын

And Loretta Lynn’s father. Amazing.

@jamescarter3196 3 жыл бұрын

Great in 'The Right Stuff' also. He was the narrator and played Chuck Yeager's buddy at the airfield, based on a real guy.

@waynetaylor4995 9 жыл бұрын

what a lovely man he was.

@swiftables 8 жыл бұрын

Rest in Peace, Levon, you were a understated true legend, your music and amazing voice will live-on, forever, in our hearts...

@IslaGC09 8 жыл бұрын

100% Class Act. They just don't make them like this anymore.

@kaveman1021 3 жыл бұрын

A true Southern Gentleman

@packrat59 12 жыл бұрын

Thank you Levon for the wonderful music that always makes me happy.

@Tommit9 14 жыл бұрын

My oh MY! I have always loved this man and his enormous talent. Now to hear him speak so humbly of the gift that was returned to him humbles me also. God Bless You, Mr. Helm!!

@lkreusling 12 жыл бұрын

Such a sweet man. Love him and how much music means to him. He will be missed. Thank you Levon.

@PatrickJMele 7 жыл бұрын

Im learning still how to be humble thanks to Levon

@loxjet1 15 жыл бұрын

"I'm not in love with listening to my voice and the sound of my voice anyway." That makes one of us, Levon. For me, I could listen to it every day forever.

@MontagZoso 4 жыл бұрын

Agreed!

@sharpenflat6002 10 ай бұрын

I love listening to my voice singing. I don't believe that.

@wildfire7579 4 жыл бұрын

One of the best voices of all time.

@redskindan78 10 жыл бұрын

I think Levon held true to the things that matter: "I am the drummer". And, wow, was he. From there, while he's modest about it, he had great musical ideas. The harmonies we heard in his Rambles: Levon on mandolin singing solo, Amy and Teresa, the horn section, Larry Campbell (a GREAT musician), Brian on keyboards: all either Levon's ideas or Levon pulling together the best of the best and letting each take the spotlight and also harmonize. OK...I loved the tight perfection of The Band. Can still remember where I was when I first heard "Chest Fever". The Levon Helm Band was something different and equally perfect in a looser, expanding, way.

@brianberg93 12 жыл бұрын

I'm so fortunate to see him live, and was able to shake his hand. I don't care what anyone thinks, but I feel that even his voice now is classic. It's probably because Levon is such a talented and soulful singer that his voice can carry regardless of it being raspy. You're the best Levon!

@schymark3723 8 жыл бұрын

I miss the music. But thank God all the great records are in my collection. God Bless the Great Music!!

@owenwilberforce6138 3 жыл бұрын

The fact that he was not in love with his own voice is proof that we are often not the best judge of our own talents.. His singing voice is such a wonderful thing to so many of us, but perhaps the unassuming nature of it is what makes it so amazing. He doesn’t realize how great it is because he is so close to it.

@scranchdip 12 жыл бұрын

You're not in love with listening to your voice, Levon, ..but we are.

@A1Adaydreaming 8 жыл бұрын

I have a list. It's people that I somehow wish that I could have met in this lifetime. Not to get autographs and not to satisfy some kind of "fan dream". Just people that I admire. People who's work I have enjoyed. People that I respect. Just to meet them, shake their hand, buy them a beer and have a conversation. Maybe ask a few questions...maybe hear a story or two...then we'll be on our way with a tip of the hat and a thank you for your time. Levon Helm is high on that list. Maybe it will still happen in the great beyond. Who knows?

@MontagZoso 4 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Wish I could have told him he was the most beautiful part of Coal Miner’s Daughter.

@A1Adaydreaming 4 жыл бұрын

@@MontagZoso you are not wrong about that.

@joteriphoto 12 жыл бұрын

This interview is one of the most touching I have ever heard.

@kentcarter835 4 жыл бұрын

He was a class act.

@pedrodiaz5540 6 жыл бұрын

Levon Helm will live for ever !!!

@Gingerjake2 15 жыл бұрын

I adore this man - have since he caught my eye all those years ago in The Band. You just aren't going to find a more genuine individual than this. Bless you Levon...I'm still listening!

@bwc12minus38 9 жыл бұрын

May God bless you Mr. Helm. May you rest in peace. Amazing man, and musician

@davidrusso675 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for everything Levon!! Can’t thank you enough!!

@imovedy Жыл бұрын

Love you Levon!! Your music & your insanely beautiful voice have put a smile on my face for 30 years and always will. You're in my heart forever ♥️ Thank you💞

@getgs 12 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting this interview. Love the guy and his music.

@perryarrington8446 4 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful soul. The whole state of Arkansas will never forget you.

@Bosta001 14 жыл бұрын

Man, I love The Band

@dixieken 10 жыл бұрын

I Love this man!!!!! Always have...always will!!!!!!!

@timjones5219 7 жыл бұрын

dixieken

@DoowahDiatribe 16 жыл бұрын

Having listened to Levon's music since before I saw The Band in 1970, it is especially beautiful to view and listen to this inspirational video of The Man.

@russellloveland1214 3 жыл бұрын

The most humble man you'd ever meet. May your spirit live on forever Leon

@skadhi0sky 12 жыл бұрын

My heart swells at the thought of your face and the sound of your voice, be well wherever you are and we as a whole will continue to love you and listen to your music!!!

@GIASIMBA 12 жыл бұрын

So wonderfully touching and genuine. Such an honest and simple man. Levon Helm you leave a wonderful legacy of your passion for your sweet musical style...RIP Levon Helm

@chuckamok12 8 жыл бұрын

I love this man.

@suzart00 13 жыл бұрын

What an incredible sweet man, makes me love him even more :)

@stevegross6094 7 жыл бұрын

he will always be a SPIRITUAL being!

@yetter714 13 жыл бұрын

levon helm wow. im 24 and he is one of my favorites. he's a true artist

@kurtjung751 7 жыл бұрын

GOD Bless this man....a real human with a soul...speaks from the heart

@rugDR100 12 жыл бұрын

Such an awesome drummer and singer, godspeed for a fast n speedy recovery. We can always hope. Such a gracious and loving human being

@mojopin70 14 жыл бұрын

thanks for such beautiful music over the years levon...

@IHIKML 12 жыл бұрын

What a fighter that man was!!! He was really strong, and that bought him a lot more years, a lot more music, a lot more fun and a lot more time with his family and friends! Levon, rest in peace. We'll always love you and your music!

@frogslips 4 жыл бұрын

A wonderful warm man. I’m reading his book and this is exactly what comes across. A sad loss.

@timchabot4071 8 жыл бұрын

I know he didn't think much of himself as a singer, but I like his vocals...I actually think they sound better live then recorded as well

@racefan32 12 жыл бұрын

R.I.P. Levon, Thanks for the great music.

@briano.1503 Жыл бұрын

A true American Treasure! Thank you for everything Levon , rest in peace Brother. 🧠🌌♾🎸🎵🎶

@JamesMandolare 9 жыл бұрын

Levon gave the band that half beat shuffle they used to such great effect. It became the signature for the best of the band. What a true country star! A down home man of great faith and talent. And that voice! Man he could really sing it! Sorely missed. They didn't want all the glitz and glamour that seduced so many artists when they got famous (including the Be-AT-les.) Have fun jamming with all the greats in heaven. Say I to Rich and Rick.

@musicalchairs777 8 жыл бұрын

1:50-Doesn't even consider himself a singer.....Meanwhile we've got all these shrill pop tarts screeching off key into an auto-tune box,elbowing their way to the front of the crowd,demanding to be noticed.Then,once they get there and promptly get torn down to make room for the next"mommy's little princess"they have a meltdown in front of the whole world,and then an appearance in a sex video and then a perfume line,if they didn't make too much of an ass out of themselves in the process.....Fame eats it's own,just keep working on your craft,carry yourself with some class,and maybe you can pass through this world with you dignity intact and leave behind some music that got people through some hard times and helped them celebrate happy times. R.I.P.and God Bless You Levon.

@GnosticSeeker369 6 жыл бұрын

musicalchairs777 awesome. A+

@danterry6328 5 жыл бұрын

Can I get a Amen.

@DH-ij9pe 4 жыл бұрын

could not agree more. Levon had more talent in his pinky than all these frauds combined.

@31Alden 4 жыл бұрын

musicalchairs777 ... A thoughtful, brilliant post that mirrors my thoughts. Thank you ..

@RJ1999x 4 жыл бұрын

@@danterry6328 amen

@w001mpb 12 жыл бұрын

Peace be with you, Levon. Thanks for your spirit and your music.

@bosse641 13 жыл бұрын

one of the best singers around! and what drummer! wow! rock on mr. Helm! :-)

@olhippie1 14 жыл бұрын

..There's a lot more here with Levon than a standard news spot interview. I'm 68 and I can relate with how great a gratitude Levon has for just being alive as the years roll on.

@gwonya 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Levon, feeling your spirit tonight - rock on !!

@kwacker45 4 жыл бұрын

I loved levon Helm as an artist as an actor and as a man

@MrCoal11 12 жыл бұрын

Rest in Peace Mr Helm. You are a true rock musician forever. One of the best.

@snowkie 12 жыл бұрын

RIP Levon. Your music makes me cry.

@hitmanmillan7063 9 жыл бұрын

Levon was The Heart and soul of The Band . Robbie was the Writer and Visionary behind most of their Songs Levon collab. with him on songs like "Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" , Rag Mama Rag" "The Weight" Robbie always had an Idea in What Stories they were telling in their Songs but Levon was the Voice the Sound of America Music brings cultures together I don't give a Crap about Robbie and Levon fighting!!! at the end of the day They do respect and yes they love each other as brother Bands Fight all the time when they argue and Break up but at the end of the day The Band made incredible Music GB The Band Levon, Robbie, Rick ,Garth and Richard 1994 RRHOF Inductees Great Music

@hdfatboy2k 14 жыл бұрын

It is always a joy to meet people as sincere and authentic as Levon Helm. And what a double blessing that a personality as warm as this had been coupled with a collection of amazing talents. He is deserving of all the success and contentment that life can offer.

@jbcatl 12 жыл бұрын

What a great spirit even in the hardest of times. Godspeed Levon

@grovernola 13 жыл бұрын

It never gets old, listening to Levon sing, play or just talk. Keep it a-coming....

@heyrider 14 жыл бұрын

Well said, Levon truly is a National Treasure and a gift to the world. His gracious, humble and loving attitude make me see that he truly is deserving of the all the success and recognition that goes to him. I just bought "Electric Dirt" yesterday and then "Dirt Farmer" today and both albums are well worth every little penny spent. God bless his daughter and all those behind him that are backing him up and helping to make his music available.

@DH-ij9pe 4 жыл бұрын

such a beautiful man.

@speakslikesilence Жыл бұрын

This is what the soul of America used to look and sound like - pray we can get back there some day.

@MrMickthemallet 12 жыл бұрын

Just got in from work to hear the sad news of one of my heroes final struggle with the imminent fate which awaits us all. The world will be a truly lonelier place without this man of limitless talent. I will pray God grant him a peaceful passing and comfort to you both.

@SusieFicus 16 жыл бұрын

Levon has always and will always be one of most favorite singers. God bless him, and I'm glad he's got his voice back - Sing it, Levon!

@krisjohnson2767 11 жыл бұрын

what a beautiful soul. R.I.P Levon . I hope I can find that peace in my life that you had

@susannahpushkin364 2 жыл бұрын

Treated me w/such kindness & respect as I learned how to produce for gospel, blues & bluegrass artists long ago. Memorable human, sad he had to go so young. Nice to see this post. Tks.

@FallGuy-68 12 жыл бұрын

Great musician and human being! Thanks for all the great tunes!!

@almanull9702 10 ай бұрын

Been listening to Levon since the age of 18. He is surely missed. I’m sure he’s singing with the angels ❤

@CatfishSkinner 12 жыл бұрын

i'm impressed with Levons spirit even tho near the end of life,he is taking it all in & grateful 4 each day..a true fighter & a great musician is about to leave us,but we will ALWAYS remember him thru the music...you will be sorely missed Levon.i hope you feel no pain..GOD BLESS YOU LEVON & GODSPEEED BROTHER!!