Levon Helm Remains On Vocal Rest Following Negative Biopsy Results

Levon Helm

Rock icon, Levon Helm, who released his second solo album, Electric Dirt in June, lost his voice earlier this summer while on tour. Doctors discovered a lesion on his vocal cords and attributed it to acid reflux. The lesion was then removed via laser. A biopsy was done and revealed NO CANCER. However, Levon has been placed on strict vocal rest in order for him to heal. The good news is that Levon will sing again following vigorous work with his vocal coach and the support of his family, friends and the incredible loyalty of his dedicated fans!

Losing his voice has not slowed Levon down. He and his band members, Larry Campbell, Jim Weider, Amy Helm, Teresa Williams, Brian Mitchell, Erik Lawrence, Howard Johnson, Clark Gayton, Jay Collins, Byron Isaacs and Steven Bernstein continue to perform to sold out crowds at his weekly ‘midnight ramble concerts’!  There have been no cancellations of shows and the band continues on their various tour stops including this week’s performance at the Austin City Limits Festival on October 3rd. The outpouring of encouragement and warmth from whom Levon has called, “the greatest fans in the world” are sure to inspire a full recovery!

Levon Helm and Larry Campbell recently taped a performance on Elvis Costello’s Spectacle show which will air on the Sundance Channel in January.

Vanguard Records

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The Believers with Tara Nevins "Railroad Spikes & Shotgun Shells"

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Tara Nevins

It was a total treat, and an insight into the special language musicians share to watch these artists collaborate.

Tara Nevins from Donna The Buffalo, who is an exceptionally talented lady, brought The Believers - amazing and energetic - aboard The Celebrity Coach with her. An impromptu jam session ensued. Then it was time to record. We filmed two of Tara's songs, and two Believers tunes, too. Here is the first, "Railroad Spikes & Shotgun Shells."

-Jessie

The Believers - Crashyertown - Railroad Spikes and Shotgun Shells

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Lovell Sisters "I Belong To Love"

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Lovell Sisters

I love when someone knocks on your door, love opening it and finding something extraordinary!

And so it was when, at the beginning of the year, I heard from old friend Mark Cunningham at Aware Records. He said he had picked up a new act, The Lovell Sisters, and asked if would I put my ear to it. Talented, beautiful, and self starters to boot!

Cut to the AMA Fest week. They knocked on the door of our bus first thing Saturday morning. A sight for sore eyes, as I am sure the "Fog Men" would tell you! And then they played…Jessica (fiddle and sings lead on 1/2 the songs), Megan (dobro and sings backing vocals) and Rebecca (mandolin and sings lead on 1/2 the songs). Oh yeah, and they write too; 7 of 11 songs on their second studio album Time To Grow which was released this spring. Here's "I Belong To Love."

-Jessie

The Lovell Sisters - Time to Grow