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!
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.
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.
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! :)
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
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 .
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}
@@joshuakeir3036 czcams.com/video/ptrYNzmma64/video.html 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.
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.
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 😉
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
I enjoyed Levon "Mr. Helm", in his part of the "Right Stuff"...He played "Ridley"...The gentleman who would loan Yeager a stick of Beamons...The one line that excels in the movie is when Levon tells Yeager to..."PUT THE SPURS TO HER, CHUCK"...outstanding!
I saw the reformed Band at the the Stone Pony in NJ. I stood 4 ft away from Levon and was completely mesmerized watching him work his craft on the drums. He wrote that the best seat in the house was from his drum stool - I respectfully disagree. I had the BEST seat standing alongside him. Thanks Levon!
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!!!!
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!
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!
So, so great. Levon will be missed. Do you think Rick and Richard are welcoming him now and they are Honor the great man, great singer, influential drummer. This death hurts, but Levon's music is always there to make you smile. R.I.P. Mr. Helm.
i was at his house for a midnight ramble about 2 weeks ago and he can barely talk now....amazing show but it would have been great to hear him one last time But man can his daughter sing!!
What soul. Not even throat cancer could kill the music in this man. A lost National Treasure. RIP
Right On
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!
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.
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.
One of the coolest guys who ever lived.
Sounds like Lowell George would've been right at home there trading off vocals with Levon. Beautiful!
Hear Hear, Stephanie!
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! :)
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
I can see Jerry nodding and pushing his glasses up. Great jam everyone knows Levon is a treasure
I guarantee Jerry is smiling down watching this
Levon, how we miss you, friend!
Levon at 50 percent of his maximum abilities, still absolutely tremendous. It doesn't get any better.
I love this song, a great tribute to Jerry from Levon. Young bands should be playing these songs, take notice!!!
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.........
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 .
I can honestly say I'd never heard of Levon until this performance (and I'm no youngster).
Blew me away.
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}
GOD BLESS Levon Helm!!!! He was (and still is somewhere) a TREASURE!!!
+MrHillbilly49 Was just thinking that. He's elsewhere, but still uplifting folk. How's that for a legacy?
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!
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!
One of my two favorite Letterman moments. Levon not long to live but immortalized here.
Alan Craigie ...what was the other one?
We must know!
@@joshuakeir3036 czcams.com/video/ptrYNzmma64/video.html
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.
Drew Barrymore exposing her breasts? That's gotta be the other moment.
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.
I agree. Thank god we have the internet to gain access to some good music.
This is the kind of evocative resonant old-timey Americana which both the Band and the Grateful Dead excelled at.
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.
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!
Happy Birthday Old Friend, these hills just ain't the same without Levon Helm.!
Levon is awesome. Dave is awesome just for knowing Levon is awesome.
For those of you who don´t know, this song was actually written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter (of the Grateful Dead).
Remember Larry played with the Dead for a while!
Robbie Robertson wrote this song.
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 😉
@@philvannucci7259 no he didn't. Unless there was some secret writing credits going on.
@@philvannucci7259 No he didn't. It's a Grateful Dead song.
Love that slide intro. Seriously one of the best sounds God could make.
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!
The horn section is special in this song!
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.
RIP Dear Friend.."These Hills just ain't the same without you.."
Wow! Rest in peace Levon. You will always be remembered!
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.
Larry Campbell is just so fuckin' AWESOME - one of the most underated sidemen ever!!
Levon is awesome too..
I agree.
Larry rocks. fortunate enough to have seen him many times with Phil Lesh and Friends.
As a long time touring Deadhead,this is Grate,,,,,,,,,,,Levon rocks!
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.
New Orleans Jed!! Jerry and co. Smiling down. Levon legend
We'll see you on the other side Levon.
Thanks for the great music!!
Its good to hear some REAL music on TV for a change!!!
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.
Spot-on perfect song for him to cover.
Must have watched this clip over 100 times in the past couple of years. Gets better every time. God bless you Levon!
Levon doing the dead.. This is awesome.
I like ppl that actually have talent
An American treasure!
OMG. Levon, U still got it baby and u have a TRUE Fan here
Jerry Garcia meets The Band. Magic. Both so missed but the music inspires and delights !
levon played with bobby a lot....
was a logical extension of the Dead, or the other way around- a musical cross pollination...
Larry spent some time playing with the Dead!
Jerry played Band songs alot with JGB, the admiration was mutual.
@@secoulte yep 2 of the best.
wow, what fantastic sound for this performance. you can really hear a lot of the dynamics in everyone's playing.
Happy Birthday Levon!
Best vocalist and drummer yet. Un f'ing believable. I want to live life like that.
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.
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
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.
@@edwardjohnson9841 watch talkin’ ‘bout Willis?
Love Levon Helm. RIP and God Speed!
my first exposure to Levon Helm was this Letterman appearance, thankful for it!
this is awesome. Levon always is surrounded by such talented people! Larry rules! Everyone sounds great!
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.
Oh yeah! LEVON! Got to respect the man. 70 and still rocking and hittin them drums!
This is a stellar version of TJ. First heard it on The Grateful Dead Channel on Sirius Radio about a year ago. Brilliant!
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.
There's some really good music in the heavens tonight.
Long Live Levon!! Brings back memories of my youth!!
Love to see Levon live. I can't get enough!
Love that Dixieland brass behind Levons voice.
Oh yeah, he's got that "geezer" sound that I love.
What a voice
David Letterman is good at amping his guest up
I just want to give him a hug and a thank you.
Thanks for the tunes Levon...it's been fun!
My a choir of angel sing you to heaven and lead them thru eternity God Bless you thank you
He's got the beat in him, always cleancut with his vocals and drums.👍
this makes me happy!
much love levon
loved levon,He Was the man,Poppa.
Beautiful version!. This is music!!
Hi from Spain.
loves you, Levon. rest in peace.
I don't see how anyone can listen to rap and commercial pop when instrumental magnificence like this exists...
RIP LEVON HELM
His voice makes you want to smile and cry all at once.
I enjoyed Levon "Mr. Helm", in his part of the "Right Stuff"...He played "Ridley"...The gentleman who would loan Yeager a stick of Beamons...The one line that excels in the movie is when Levon tells Yeager to..."PUT THE SPURS TO HER, CHUCK"...outstanding!
Man I wish I gotten up to Woodstock for a Ramble.
miss you levon
and he shall be Levon!
I love that this is the song he chose for letterman!!!
I saw the reformed Band at the the Stone Pony in NJ. I stood 4 ft away from Levon and was completely mesmerized watching him work his craft on the drums. He wrote that the best seat in the house was from his drum stool - I respectfully disagree. I had the BEST seat standing alongside him. Thanks Levon!
One year ago today. Thanks, Lee!
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!!!!
R.i.P sir thank you :)
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!
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!
levon is incredible
Heaven's harmony is a little gritter tonight. RIP Levon.
So, so great. Levon will be missed. Do you think Rick and Richard are welcoming him now and they are Honor the great man, great singer, influential drummer. This death hurts, but Levon's music is always there to make you smile. R.I.P. Mr. Helm.
Crossbow0106
RIP Levon.
Only Levon could have throat cancer and still sound awesome!
Imo -Everything the dead after jerry was missing- joy, spirit, fun, excitement , and freshness. Bless you Levon
even with the cancer and radiation treatments levon had the best voice in the world... miss you lee
Rest in peace Levon Helm
God bless ya Levon,awesome tune,poppa.
i was at his house for a midnight ramble about 2 weeks ago and he can barely talk now....amazing show but it would have been great to hear him one last time
But man can his daughter sing!!
♡♡♡♡Love and Light to you, Levon♡♡♡♡