This Wheel's Still On Fire: The Legacy of Levon Helm

This Wheel’s Still On Fire: The Legacy of Levon Helm explores the life, legacy, and
continued influence of Levon Helm. From his earliest years growing up in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas, Levon was surrounded by music and community. Helm began his music career in high school when Ronnie Hawkins invited him to join his band. By the early 1960s, Levon and Hawkins had recruited Canadian musicians Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson, and Robbie Robertson to form Levon and the Hawks, which later became Bob Dylan’s backing group, The Band. After The Band’s 1976 performance in The Last Waltz, the original line-up parted ways, and Levon returned to Woodstock to build a home and studio. During this time, he focused on his solo music and acting career. The Band reunited in 1983 without Robbie Robertson and continued to record and tour.

In 1998, Levon was diagnosed with throat cancer, which caused damage to his vocal cords. As a way of recovering from treatment and gathering musicians and community together, Levon opened his Barn to host Midnight Rambles, inspired by shows he saw as a teen. Before his death in 2012, Levon instructed friends and family to “keep it going,” and the Midnight Rambles continue keeping Levon’s legacy alive, the community gathered, and the music flowing. This exhibit invites guests to join in the song as we celebrate an artistic life well-lived, a connected community, and Levon’s artistic legacy.