By Dr. Curtis Varnell
The fields stretched forever, flat and baking in the summer sun. In the distance a line of trees demarcated a property boundary or the edge of a drainage canal. The smell drifting through the open car window emanated mixed brews of wet vegetation, bug spray, and spent petroleum. Country homes surrounded by huge sheds containing tractors, harvesters, and farm trailers dotted the landscape and, in the distance huge silos containing rice, cotton seed, or other products indicated the presence of a small town or community. The Mississippi delta, home to the blues, country singers and rock-a-billy music.
An amazing number of famous musicians and singers came from this region of Arkansas, many of them of the country and western variety. Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Charlie Rich all hail from the delta and Conway Twitty was raised in Helena. Legendary soul singer Al Greene was born to sharecroppers in Forrest City, Arkansas. He won 11 Grammy Awards and is 14thin Rolling Stones list of greatest singers of all time. One of his biggest hits, “Let’s Stay Together,” remains a classic even to this day.
Not as well-known is the fact that Arkansas has turned out some of the biggest names in rock and rock-a-billy music. Black Oak Arkansas and Jim Dandy are icons but possibly the best known is Mark Lavon Helms, born near Elaine, Arkansas in 1940.
Before playing drums and singing with The Band, Levon was born Mark Lavon Helm near Elaine, Arkansas in 1940. His parents were cotton farmers and the actual community he grew up in was known as Turkey Scratch. His parents encouraged him to learn to play music and, although best known as a drummer, he could play virtually any instrument having strings. Growing up he listened to a variety of music ranging from the Grand Ole Opera to R&B, all eventually contributing to his eclectic style of music. Helms lived through a period of time where he witnessed some of the earliest performances of Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty, and Bo Diddly.
After graduating high school, he joined a Canadian group called the Hawks and changed his name to Levon. He traveled across the country performing at various venues with varying success. He became most famous working as the back-up band for Bob Dylan and began writing and performing their own songs; becoming known simply as “the Band.” The Band relied heavily on Helm’s talent as a singer as well as drummer. One of his most played songs, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Downwas written during this time.
Levon was one of those men most known for those who worked and performed with. He was greatly respected and was friends with many of the biggest names in the music world. Elton John referred to him in the song, Levon. He performed and rubbed shoulders with Charlie Daniels, Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan and others. In 1980, he played Loretta Lynn’s father in Coal Miner’s Daughter. He later played roles in several films including The Right Stuff.
My drummer friend, Tom McGuire got to know Levon in his later years. He described him as a humble man who was never ashamed of his roots but also as a man that you would want on your side in a fight. Multi-talented, he performed right up till the time of his death.
Why so much talent coming from the delta? Farming is a difficult life, especially if you’re working poor. Lyrics from Helms’ song Growing Trade, “ I worked the land to raise a family, Till I was weary to the bone, But hard labor never bothered me, Lord it’s all I’ve ever known.” Music provides a relief and a way to escape the drudgery of a life often steeped in poverty. Levon left but was and always will be a man of the delta.
