I’m Saddened By The Death Of Levon Helm

Dick Clark yesterday, Levon Helm today. My icons are dropping like flies. You may be thinking, "Icon? Who was he?" You're probably more familiar with his work than you realize.

He was the longtime drummer for 'The Band'. Martin Scorcese's "The Last Waltz" is widely regarded as the best rock documentary ever made. He also appeared in a number of movies over the years, portraying Loretta Lynn's father in "Coal Miner's Daughter". He also had roles in "The Right Stuff", "The Three Burials Of Melquiades Etrada", "Shooter" with Mark Wahlberg, and "The Doll Maker" with Oscar-winner Jane Fonda. I first saw him perform, as a member of The Band, in 1974, on a bill with Eric Clapton. My final experience of enjoying his music was at Jazzfest in 2010. He was scheduled to appear this year, and has been replaced on the schedule by Warren Haynes.