The Band and friends- I Shall Be Released

Levon Helm. May 26, 1940 – April 19, 2012. You are already missed. Give our love to Rick and Richard in heaven.

Levon Helm on drumming

In light of the news that the great Levon Helm is in the final stages of cancer, we would like to dedicate today’s Video of the Day to him. In addition to giving us some of the best darn music of the last 50 years, Levon’s impact on country and roots music will be felt, studied and honored for generations and generations to come. He is an inspiration and an absolutely amazing man. We will keep him in our prayers and thoughts.

The official statement from his family is below.

Dear Friends,
Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey.

Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration… he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage…

We appreciate all the love and support and concern.
From his daughter Amy, and wife Sandy

Elvis Presley- Don’t Be Cruel

Elvis Presley performing “Don’t Be Cruel” live on the The Ed Sullivan Show in 1956.

Communion Records- Over The Hill

Communion Records artists Michael Kiwanuka, Ben Howard, Mumford and Son’s Ben Lovett, The Staves and Bear’s Den Johannes playing John Martyn’s “Over The Hill” at Cacophony Recorders in Austin, TX during SXSW. Filmed by Marcus Hainey, Ty Johnson, Kelly Teacher.

Laura Marling- Once

Laura Marling performing a new tune called “Once” live at the Southbank Centre in London for 6 Music’s 10th birthday celebrations on March 16, 2012.

Steve Goodman – A Dying Cubs Fan’s Last Request

Happy Opening Day! Steve Goodman, songwriter of tunes such as “City of New Orleans,” (made famous by Arlo Guthrie) laments the sadness of being a Cubs fan. But don’t worry futuristic Cubbie fans, Doc Brown promises us it’ll happen in 2015.

John McCauley of Deer Tick – Dead Flowers (Rolling Stones cover)

John McCauley of Deer Tick performing the Rolling Stones’ “Dead Flowers” live for Rollo & Grady Sessions in Los Angeles on November 2, 2011. Additional covers of Neil Young’s “Out On The Weekend” and Nirvana’s “Apologies” are after the jump. If you happen to be in London tonight, head over to the Relentless Garage near Highbury and Islington to catch Deer Tick perform. Tickets are just £12 with Danny & The Champions Of The World supporting. The band also just announced a major US tour this summer, including dates in Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland and more. Click here for the details.
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Terry Reid- Superlungs My Supergirl

Terry Reid performing Donovan’s “Superlungs My Supergirl” live on December 31, 1969 in Bremen, Germany.

Todd Snider- Can’t Complain

Todd Snider performing “Can’t Complain” on February 18, 2007 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, California. Following a series of sold out shows on the other side of the Atlantic, Todd Snider is back on the road supporting his 12th album release, Agnostic Hymns and Stoner Fables. The album is a snapshot of the haves and the have nots; love, faith, riches, and the lack there of. Dare I say folk music for the 99%? The album also features the lovely fiddle playing of the even lovelier Amanda Shires who deserves a whole post unto herself on When You Awake.

Snider will be in Los Angeles tonight, Friday, March 30th at The El Rey followed by a series of dates criss-crossing the states with the likes of Justin Townes Earle, Reed Foehl and more. For a little taste of what to expect at Snider’s show, check out a video clip of him performing earlier this week after the jump.

MP3: Todd Snider- In Between Jobs from Agnostic Hymns and Stoner Fables (buy)
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Earl Scruggs- Foggy Mountain Breakdown

The great Earl Scruggs passed away yesterday at the age of 88 at his home in Nashville, Tennessee. The banjo-playing legend, who helped shaped modern country music (and who was incredibly progressive for his time with an openness to exploring emerging music and playing with musicians like The Byrds, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez), will be greatly missed. Check out some of our favorite videos of him after the jump.
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