Levon Helm, the legendary drummer and vocalist of The Band, was a master of his craft, and his influence on the music industry is undeniable. But what makes his story truly fascinating is the journey of discovery that led him to become one of the most revered drummers in rock history. In this article, I'll delve into the three key drummers who inspired Levon Helm the most, and how their unique styles and approaches shaped his own playing and the music he made.
The Early Years: Rhythm and Blues
Helm's musical journey began in the 1940s in Arkansas, where he was exposed to a rich blend of Americana sounds, including electric blues, country, and R&B. One of the earliest influences on his drumming was James 'Peck' Curtis, an R&B drummer who performed in the early 1950s. Helm was captivated by Curtis' creative beats and the energy he brought to the stage. This experience taught him the power of rhythm and how it could truly make a song come alive.
What many people don't realize is that Helm's early interest in drumming was not just about the technical aspects, but also about the emotional connection it could create. He wanted to make people move and feel the music, and this desire to serve the song rather than his ego would become a cornerstone of his playing style.
The Rock and Roll Revolution
As the 1950s progressed, Helm was swept up in the rock and roll revolution, and his admiration for Elvis Presley became a significant influence on his drumming. He saw Presley perform live in Helena, and it was the second gig at the city's Catholic Club that truly cast its spell. Presley's drummer, DJ Fontana, was a key figure in shaping Helm's approach to drumming.
Fontana's unassuming but highly creative backing beat and intelligent fills were a revelation to Helm. He was particularly struck by how Fontana served the song rather than his ego, and this lesson would become a guiding principle in his own playing. Helm's desire to make the band sound good, rather than show off, was a direct result of his admiration for Fontana's style.
The Beatles and Ringo Starr
As the 1960s arrived, the British invasion swept through the charts, and The Beatles made their US TV debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. Helm was particularly taken with Ringo Starr's drumming, which was both unassuming and highly creative. Starr's intelligent fills and occasional lead vocals from behind the kit were a revelation to Helm, and he saw in Starr a drummer who knew how to make the band sound good.
In my opinion, Starr's influence on Helm was a crucial turning point in his career. He saw in Starr a drummer who understood the importance of serving the song, and this lesson would become a key part of his own playing style. Helm's desire to make people move and feel the music was a direct result of his admiration for Starr's approach.
The Final Push: The Band
Helm's drumming legend was cemented when he joined The Band, and his influence on the group's sound was profound. He brought a unique style to the group, combining his soulful croon with his fluid playing style and impeccable timing. The Band's music was a perfect blend of rock, country, and blues, and Helm's drumming was a key component of this earthy alchemy.
In my perspective, Helm's influence on The Band's music was a result of his ability to serve the song rather than his ego. He understood the importance of making people move and feel the music, and this desire was reflected in his playing. His drumming was a heartbeat that pulsed through the group's music, and it is this quality that has made him such an enduring figure in the history of American music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Levon Helm's journey to becoming one of the most revered drummers in rock history was a result of his admiration for three key drummers: James 'Peck' Curtis, DJ Fontana, and Ringo Starr. Their unique styles and approaches to drumming shaped his own playing and the music he made, and their influence can still be heard in his work with The Band. Helm's ability to serve the song rather than his ego was a key part of his success, and it is this quality that has made him such an enduring figure in the history of American music.
