Eric Church, Dierks Bentley Set to Perform at ‘Love for Levon’ Tribute Event
Eric Church and Dierks Bentley are just two of more than a dozen artists slated to pay tribute to Levon Helm with ‘Love for Levon,’ a star-studded benefit concert that will help support the eternal legacy of the late musician by allowing his estate keep ownership of his home, barn and studio, and to continue the Midnight Ramble Sessions.
“We are deeply moved that so many musicians and friends of Levon’s are coming together to celebrate his life and his music, and to help us keep his musical spirit and vision alive in the Midnight Rambles,” says Sandy and Amy Helm, Helm’s wife and daughter. “We want to continue to honor his legacy by creating a musical landmark at the Barn, one that inspires and celebrates Americana music and its heritage.”
Helm’s music career spanned an impressive five decades, and he is often credited as a pioneer of the Americana genre. The musician first gained notoriety as the drummer and frequent lead singer of the Band, but resurrected his career in the finals years of his life as a solo artist. His 2009 album,’Electric Dirt,’ was the first record to win the Grammy Award for Best Americana Album. His 2011 project, ‘Ramble at the Ryman,’ was also recognized with the same award.
Helm even dabbled in an acting career — he was most recognized for his role as country superstar Loretta Lynn‘s father in the 1980 award-winning ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter.’ Helm passed away earlier this year after a battle with cancer.
“I can’t possibly overstate what Levon Helm meant to my music or my life. He was a giant. A man among boys, Church said in a statement. “I miss him personally, but that pales in comparison to how much music will miss his presence.”
John Mayer, My Morning Jacket, Ray LaMontagne, Gregg Allman, Marc Cohn, Patty Griffin, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Bruce Hornsby, Jorma Kaukonen, the Levon Helm Band, Robert Randolph, Mavis Staples, Joe Walsh and Lucinda Williams are already confirmed to perform at the event, set to take place at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J. Tickets for the Oct. 3 event will go on sale to the general public on Aug. 29. All net proceeds from the concert will go directly to Helm’s estate.