Sunday, March 27, 2011

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'.

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for this. What a great song.
    Daniel

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  2. Hey there, William...

    Well, I was feeling sad for the old farmer. At least, til the part of the song that said, after getting run over by his tractor, his head is now shaped like a tread, only, he ain't quite dead. At that point, I wasn't quite sure whether to cry...or laugh :D. Loved it!

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