Levon Helm - On Singing While Drumming

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
  • Levon Helm discusses singing while drumming in his On Drums and Drumming instructional video from 1992. The interviewer is his fellow drummer in The Band Randy Ciarlante. He also gives us an impromptu solo performance of The Battle is Over But the War Goes On.

ความคิดเห็น • 259

  • @cameronroyce1761
    @cameronroyce1761 7 ปีที่แล้ว +203

    It seems to me Levon plays drums almost as if he's about to let the beat get away from him but catches it at the last possible second, one of the greatest drummers ever no doubt.

    • @RebelChild09
      @RebelChild09 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Cameron Royce ― That is spot on! I love it; perfectly phrased.

    • @ericking4072
      @ericking4072 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      AND A TERRIBLE LOSS OF A LIFELIGHT

    • @DG-sf9ei
      @DG-sf9ei 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yeah, his style is very similar to Ginger Baker in that way. At times its almost like simultaneously hearing the rest of the group on one track and the drums set at the same tempo but a 1/2 step behind on another track.

    • @speier
      @speier 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      similar to John Bonham

    • @hamburgerdan101
      @hamburgerdan101 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Very loose all musicians should aim to play that way. laid back and loose.

  • @cobb_thedrummer
    @cobb_thedrummer 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    Could listen to just him singing and drumming, nothing else, for hours.

  • @dougpeters1625
    @dougpeters1625 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I have never been so blown away and entertained by a single man singing while playing the drums..

  • @ROCKSTARCRANE
    @ROCKSTARCRANE 9 ปีที่แล้ว +172

    WHY CAN'T WE HAVE MUSICIANS LIKE THIS ANYMORE?????? My God, the beauty of simplicity.......

    • @serialchiller6786
      @serialchiller6786 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Look this guy also sings while drumming...
      th-cam.com/video/fDI_8n6gQMg/w-d-xo.html

    • @fransnagel
      @fransnagel 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Because in this new world real musicians aren't able to make a decent living and have been replaced by dj's that make millions but don't know how to play a single instrument.

    • @sm-ev8ld
      @sm-ev8ld 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      they do exist you just arent looking hard enough

    • @janetownley
      @janetownley 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      … you can’t because your mind closed shut about music in 1973

    • @janetownley
      @janetownley 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@fransnagel This is just not true at all.

  • @bertvanstaveren3178
    @bertvanstaveren3178 2 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    He wasn't the only singing drummer, but he sure was the greatest one.

    • @andrewshydlowsky6173
      @andrewshydlowsky6173 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I would say that Levon and Peter Riveria of Rare Earth are 1A and 1B both interchangable.

    • @babylemonade2868
      @babylemonade2868 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Roger Taylor of Queen is up there too.

    • @jdfolbre
      @jdfolbre ปีที่แล้ว

      Oralé!

    • @JAMStudiosIE
      @JAMStudiosIE 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have to add Andy Sturmer of Jellyfish to that list

  • @fuzzy5113
    @fuzzy5113 11 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    i could watch this dude play and sing by himself all day....seriously....

  • @blindterrytucci2752
    @blindterrytucci2752 7 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    The one thing I respected most about Levon (other than his feel because holy shit) was his modesty. He didn’t think he was doing anything special while the rest of us sit in awe. He’s the only drummer I’ve ever heard who can make time keeping the best part of a song.

    • @cryptonator1988
      @cryptonator1988 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Facts bro his groove and feel you cant teach you either have it or you dont. If he thinks hes okay of a drummer then hes the best okay drummer that ever made me feel some type of way because most drummers dont move me at all but his drumming and singing it hits me in the best way possible.. we have too think he aint showing us anything he had so much more he could do on a drum kit for him and what he did it just wasn't necessary but you think he can't play a john Bonham drum solo i bet he could-!!!!! I remember seeing the last waltz by luck late at night on pbs and i was tired as shit and i couldn't go back too sleep i was in such awe and couldn't believe what i was hearing.. couldn't believe my parents never told me about the band i was mesmerized the first couple of beats they had my full blown attention and i felt the music immediately no hesitation i still feel this way everytime i hear them such magic how he does it and keeps it so simple i will never understand pure talent..

    • @joelglanton6531
      @joelglanton6531 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@cryptonator1988 Very well put. Not many drummers are as moving to me either

  • @jvega419
    @jvega419 10 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    I consider myself lucky to have walked the Earth with that man.

  • @Jellybeantiger
    @Jellybeantiger 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    The groovers and tasty drummers have a mastery of slow tempos,R.I.P. Levon Helm.
    When he sang,the lyrics were felt through his whole being,a fantastic musician.

  • @ronnie73072
    @ronnie73072 6 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    Levon. What an amazing guy. Awesome drummer, good singer, great teacher and awesome actor. Love listening to him talk and he was one of the best parts of the movie Shooter. RIP LEVON.

    • @Berniewahlbrinck
      @Berniewahlbrinck ปีที่แล้ว +1

      He was awesome in THE THREE BURIALS OF MELCHIADES ESTRADA

  • @alhillx
    @alhillx 6 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    The lesson here for musicians: whether you sing or drum or play bass or guitar or keys: what you do has to serve the song. This is a mastercraft lesson by someone who is an elite singer and drummer, but what he is talking about is what the song needs.

  • @tmo7734
    @tmo7734 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Every molecule in Levon's body was musical. What a horrible loss of a wonderful talent. May Levon Rest in peace.

  • @cuda426hemi
    @cuda426hemi 8 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    The Master. Like all Masters he makes it look like a walk in the park.

  • @tiponin23
    @tiponin23 7 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I had to pause so I could type this and not miss the message. Genius, humble, humor, integrity, Beautiful.

  • @mattryan6886
    @mattryan6886 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    RIP drumming legend Levon Helm. A true master of his craft.

  • @jimlabos
    @jimlabos 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    It's a sin to be that good and that humble. Damn!
    The best musicians know when to forget the technique and let the feel take over.
    Crazy that he sings a capella with drums and it still grooves and makes sense.

    • @serialchiller6786
      @serialchiller6786 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Look this guy is also awesome...
      th-cam.com/video/fDI_8n6gQMg/w-d-xo.html

  • @tattyshoesshigure5731
    @tattyshoesshigure5731 8 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Love Levon... could listen to him chatting & drumming for hours, thanks for posting!

  • @rhythmantic
    @rhythmantic 11 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Levon was the music, it was all in him and the drums were just an extension.

  • @karltaylor4455
    @karltaylor4455 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Levon is the reason I became a singing drummer......He gave me confidence and possibilities RIP Mark Levon Helm

  • @stevebirks2186
    @stevebirks2186 8 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    He is just amazing !!! - My Doc advised me to take up the drums -After a long Illness - It was a Medical paper he'd read - And apparently they get people who have had strokes to to learn to play the drums - A : to get their memory ticking over again - B : to get their coordination back ?
    I could never play like Him ! he is like I said just amazing!!!
    Thanks for sharing !

    • @kimweemhoff8066
      @kimweemhoff8066 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Did it do you good, mr Birks? I hope so
      I’m also curious because i’ m thinking of teaching basic independance to non drummers who i think might benefit ( elderly, children with ADHD etc)

    • @joelglanton6531
      @joelglanton6531 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      No kidding, good for you, and good on ol' Doc too. Do you still play, Steve?

  • @danradu9659
    @danradu9659 10 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Even if he never sang, he should be considered one of the top drummers ever. Tons of groove....

    • @mightymartianca
      @mightymartianca 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      And he was a pretty handy mandolin player as well.

  • @TheKiller-yh3pi
    @TheKiller-yh3pi 8 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I really hope this stuff is being preserved in the Library of Congress. Gold...this is worth GOLD. The knowledge here, in the right hands, could ignite fire with those sticks.Forget the Gold standard....What America needs now...is The Levon Helm Standard.

  • @lucasquirino
    @lucasquirino 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Levon was a genius! God bless.

  •  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    what a lovely man, I miss him

  • @jimfitzgerald6510
    @jimfitzgerald6510 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Tha battle is over but the war goes on. There was more soul in that voice and drum play than in 99% of all the music out there today.

  • @the24thstreetwailers
    @the24thstreetwailers 11 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    he's the reason I drum and sing and have made a career (so far) out of doing so, he was everything a great drummer should be. so sad I never saw him live. thanks for this video.

  • @edwardpate6128
    @edwardpate6128 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    RIP Levon, still missing you down here!

  • @donf3739
    @donf3739 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The man was just a genius, in more ways than one. I just love that way he held the sticks most of the time, traditional grip, and left stick backwards. That has to be his trademark.

  • @trevorwoolley3375
    @trevorwoolley3375 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've never heard a song befoe with just a singer and a drummer without missing other instruments, Levon was the the main man

  • @IggyM
    @IggyM 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Its just that simple 😅
    Amazing to hear him describe how he approaches it after all these years, thanks for posting this

  • @jamessholtz6016
    @jamessholtz6016 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    An American Icon.

  • @Billy-jp2ln
    @Billy-jp2ln 8 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Levon is keeping time in heaven. I saw Levon live at the knight theatre in Charlotte in 2012. Unbelievable show. He had ten horns in his band. He got up to play mandolin and did the old duck walk. Campbell his guitar player was better than Robbie R. Levon's daughter, Amy has a voice like an angel from heaven. I will never forget that night. I had been a fan for many years. They played the weight, Ophelia, cripple Crk, chest fever, and songs off his last two albums, dirt farmer, and electric dirt. He won Grammys for both. What a man

    • @yeahbee8237
      @yeahbee8237 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      I got to see Garth Hudson in a tribute to Levon, it was magical, can only imagine how it would have been seeing the The Band for real

    • @brentmcswain633
      @brentmcswain633 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was at that show. Fantastic experience. And those horns really tore it up.

    • @brentmcswain633
      @brentmcswain633 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      DontTreadOnMe IwontTreadOnYou My old ass don't really understand why it's being told to shut up...but respectfully young man, thanks for the response.

  • @debrakirkwood4787
    @debrakirkwood4787 6 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I am lucky to walk and talk at the same time.

  • @dannyherron9455
    @dannyherron9455 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Wow, just Wow. An amazingly talented drummer, singer, and all around decent human being, gone too soon. Only The Good Die Young

  • @FelixWheatfield
    @FelixWheatfield 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    RIP Levon Helm. An underrated, "unsung" (ironic, isn't it?) hero of music history.

  • @aarond23
    @aarond23 8 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Its Sangin' when it comes to Levon! Legend!

  • @ShakingTwoTrees2012
    @ShakingTwoTrees2012 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    So humble and yet likely the most incredible singing drummer of all time!

  • @bradlangton1549
    @bradlangton1549 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A Great man and a great musician, you are surely missed, RIP Levon Helm

  • @TheDonzim
    @TheDonzim 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Pure talent no Music theory school can't teach,love the explanation of how he accomplishes what he is trying to do. Born to play music,its that simple. One of the best!

  • @handidrummed
    @handidrummed 11 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I was fortunate enough to get this DVD a few years ago before it went out of print. I didn't really know a whole lot about Levon, but this DVD changed my life from that day forward. I'm not a singing drummer, but his simplicity and musicality that he brings is something I aspire to.

  • @777bigbird
    @777bigbird 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It was in his soul , he was part of all of it. I'm so glad I got a chance to play with him at Shaddens BBQ store during his filming of HWY 61. Humble and sincere. Loved him . Rip my friend

  • @backachershomestead
    @backachershomestead ปีที่แล้ว +4

    An absolutely amazing person. So much talent that we will never see in today's music.

  • @mcaddicts
    @mcaddicts 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Such a great drummer and his voice was so distinctive. Not too mention a very down to earth man.

  • @bytoriasnowdoggy
    @bytoriasnowdoggy ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dig it! Thanks for posting... Mr. Levon Helm (R.I.P.)

  • @gordyn5292
    @gordyn5292 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Coolest fuckin' cat that ever lived. You are sorely missed Levon!!

  • @Maxroffe56
    @Maxroffe56 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Man, I love his sangin'.

  • @fing6966
    @fing6966 9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What a great musician and a hell of a drummer. R.I.P

  • @nelsonlugo45
    @nelsonlugo45 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    LOVE FOR LEVON, Y'ALL

  • @aceofspades856
    @aceofspades856 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Rest in peace, Levon, you will be missed.

  • @beanseff
    @beanseff 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    levon was truly one of a kind!!!

  • @BaldwinBay
    @BaldwinBay 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Inspirational. Great lyrics. The beat goes on Levon... Even when your gone... Levon the beat goes on...🥁

  • @jlbsr1959
    @jlbsr1959 11 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    anymore? wow I learned somuch from Levon....my saddness, he's gone and I didnt pick up the drums until I was 52......god I wish I started sooner...thanks for a great post

  • @robbiewarren1946
    @robbiewarren1946 8 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    my god it makes me incredibly sad that music isn't done like this anymore.levon helm and the rest of the gentleman in "the band" are truly masters of their craft and musician s today could stand to take a page from levon helms book. god bless you mr helm you truly were one of a kind and even though youre body has moved on your influence and soul will live on.

    • @PelleKuipers
      @PelleKuipers 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I hope you've spent the last 5 years discovering all the great bands that do exist.

  • @cycleguy666
    @cycleguy666 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Loved Levon my whole life and still do!! Glad to have his recordings and have some video too!!

  • @Strokecity1
    @Strokecity1 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Levon = Genius! :)

  • @TorkG8
    @TorkG8 11 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    You can just hear that "Band" sound ..even when Levon just drums on his own!

  • @DC-hd5bo
    @DC-hd5bo 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Levon was the man for sure

  • @larrytate5605
    @larrytate5605 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Levon sang and played like his life depended on it,.........take note millennials, this is class.

  • @johnsoltanas2647
    @johnsoltanas2647 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    To answer your question Levon just kicks ass and continues to inspire people. Amazes me how it sounds with him playing a groove and singing a good melody and the song comes through strong.

  • @jimstone6071
    @jimstone6071 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I read where Levon said something very similar 40 years ago....and this has been they way I drummed my entire life......on e on the best of all time here folks,,I also met Mr helm in Nashville years later and ask him about this and he basically said the same thing..and he was a AWSOME man to take time with a 20 year old kid he helped me tremendously.....AWSOME man

  • @timekeeper46
    @timekeeper46 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Best online drum lesson ever............Thanks, Levon

  • @fess04
    @fess04 10 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    genius!!!!!!!!! that made me feel good......how many drummers can really get you feelin that way......genius.....pure genius

  • @MJROCKS4eva100
    @MJROCKS4eva100 10 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    daa doo doo daa daa dooo

  • @drummercook60
    @drummercook60 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Levon, you are one talented dude, all natural baby!

  • @DanJamesResonators
    @DanJamesResonators 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My two favorite drummers on this planet-Levon and Randy-Thanks guys

  • @Lana-jj9lv
    @Lana-jj9lv ปีที่แล้ว

    In complete love & awe of him to this very day!

  • @davehaller6477
    @davehaller6477 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Such a beautiful voice and a soulful drummer. You can'r replicate this with with a machine and why this music is superior than most of what is being made today.

  • @Vor_Tex_Sun
    @Vor_Tex_Sun 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am a singing drummer. We are a rare breed. The fact that we are out there means drummers can provide more and makes the band unique

  • @richardbuskill6977
    @richardbuskill6977 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    He was an all-around musician one of the greats if not the greatest Love for Levon member of God's ultimate band

  • @jameswhiteside1506
    @jameswhiteside1506 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    And I can't even sing in the shower. Mr. Helm has to be one of the best . R.I.P.

  • @blackfinjrblackfinjr3555
    @blackfinjrblackfinjr3555 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I’ve never drummed in my life, but it looks hard as hell. I had to go watch some stuff from the Last waltz after watching this. Rest in Peace Levon Helm.

    • @daveyboy8907
      @daveyboy8907 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      He was awesome.Levon had soul and passion and that's what it takes to make real music.

  • @gordonwest5505
    @gordonwest5505 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I am smiling big time. Some people have a way. Love Levon.

  • @PaisleyPatchouli
    @PaisleyPatchouli ปีที่แล้ว +2

    LEGEND!

  • @beboploo
    @beboploo 8 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    take note kids

    • @JasonCleghorn1975
      @JasonCleghorn1975 8 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      This. This is what musical genius looks like.

    • @TheKiller-yh3pi
      @TheKiller-yh3pi 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      By God, It's gonna take more than one!We're talkin NOTES, here..

  • @edwardharding8148
    @edwardharding8148 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Wow , I have always admired his simplicity and groove. One thing though, I would need to stabilize that wobbly snare stand! LOL

  • @mrt7954
    @mrt7954 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Legend...The Man

  • @tonecenter1187
    @tonecenter1187 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    humble, groovy af, full of creativity and joy. thank you levon!

  • @sparx550
    @sparx550 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Master class.

  • @joelmiddaugh8229
    @joelmiddaugh8229 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Such a charming little drummer and singer, one of a kind singer.

  • @uzieric1
    @uzieric1 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As a drummer of 20 years I still find it very very difficult to sing and play like Levon does. Wish I could because it would be a whole new dimension of fun. But I just cant. Credit to a rock and American legend Mr. Helm.

    • @stkittsdave1
      @stkittsdave1 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      uzieric1 I like to take my foot off the bass drum if I start to struggle while singing and playing--it means you sacrifice a bass drum stroke or two yes--but I find I keep better rhythm--which is the most important thing after all.

    • @paulhargreaves5467
      @paulhargreaves5467 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Jimmy barnes

    • @paulhargreaves5467
      @paulhargreaves5467 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      @

  • @andrews9577
    @andrews9577 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love Levon Helm. A master!

  • @shanephillips1730
    @shanephillips1730 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Three cords and the truth, with a back beat. Long live Levon.

  • @darrenreynolds5600
    @darrenreynolds5600 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I could listen to him speak all day!

  • @daveyboy8907
    @daveyboy8907 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Smooth as silk.Levons the man.

  • @antoni7515
    @antoni7515 10 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Soooooo much groove!!! Lol. How does he get that much groove in his drumming, as well as singing?! Theres only one Levon Helm!! thanks for uploading! :-)

  • @jimkobe64
    @jimkobe64 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I never learned anything as much as in the last 4 mins 52 seconds drum tutorial from Levon Helm!!!!

  • @beatlelennon9168
    @beatlelennon9168 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    True legend levon.

  • @timryan2058
    @timryan2058 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hes so awesome!

  • @lilbigmanrecords1708
    @lilbigmanrecords1708 ปีที่แล้ว

    Funny I've watched him so much I learned this via observation but it's so rad to hear

  • @robin7771
    @robin7771 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Taking lessons from the master. I love this man.

  • @1022rebelreddog
    @1022rebelreddog 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    levon is such a funky drummer.. and solid too.

  • @6CrazyHorse
    @6CrazyHorse 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So much talent

  • @danieljulian4676
    @danieljulian4676 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The gen-you-wine art-tickle.

  • @VeryScaryBiscuits
    @VeryScaryBiscuits 8 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    "the main tickle"

  • @driftworks4age
    @driftworks4age 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Speechless!!!!

  • @petethescalemodeller6130
    @petethescalemodeller6130 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    GOAT!!

  • @Nevernow721
    @Nevernow721 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    "Honey you know, I'd die for you!" Sang it Levon.

  • @BrohamAdam
    @BrohamAdam 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing

  • @rt09pachuau21
    @rt09pachuau21 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    How he shifts his shoulders about is so cool.. Especially in that live performance of the song The Weight from The last waltz album.

  • @Kedbuka
    @Kedbuka 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love this man...what a treasure.