Poor Old Dirt Farmer

Fans of The Band will recognize Levon Helm's name; others, his voice if not his name. He was the drummer for the group and sang the lead vocals on many of their best-known songs: "The Weight," "Up on Cripple Creek," and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." His voice has changed now due to age and a near-fatal bout with throat cancer. In 2007 he released a Grammy-winning solo album, Dirt Farmer, and the video below is from the title track. This video -- the life and the people and the musicians -- are what keeps the dream of rural living alive in my heart. Here's hoping Levon Helm keeps livin', drummin', and singin'.