Levon Helm Memorial Project

Levon Helm was born in Elaine, Arkansas, a rural farming community in the Arkansas Delta. The closest towns were Marvell and Helena, Arkansas where Levon would could cut his musical teeth playing with local musicians and sneaking in to watch Sonny Boy Williamson perform weekly on the King Biscuit Radio show on KFFA. This is also where Levon forged lifelong friendships with people like C.W. Gatlin, Mary Cavett and Annalee Amsden, who would go on to be immortalized in The Band's song, "The Weight."


These friends, along with others who knew and loved him and what he has contributed to the American music lexicon, have joined together to create a permanent tribute to Levon and his life and musical legacy. Beginning with the creation of this Bronze memorial by acclaimed artist Kevin Kresse , who's been awarded painting fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts – Mid-America Arts Alliance and the Arkansas Arts Council and has exhibited his work nationally, we want to commemorate Levon's legacy and educate current and future fans about his contributions and the music born in this Delta soil that went on to shape American music.

With your generous contribution, the Arkansas Musical Legacy Fund will erect a 26" x 20" x 12" bronze statue to honor legendary musician/actor and Arkansas native Levon Helm in downtown Marvell, AR in 2017 next to his childhood home. Fans of Levon will be able to visit the place that shaped and formed this musical icon who was at the forefront of the Americana music movement.


What's next?

Once the $25,000 goal has been met to create the bronze bust, any funds raised above the goal will be used to restore Levon's childhood home adjacent to the location of the bust in downtown Marvell, AR.

Levon's childhood and life-long friends have come together to leave a lasting memorial in honor of the the friend and talented artist they knew and loved like a brother. Levon's wish was for the music to play on and our hope is to not only memorialize Levon in the place that created and nurtured his gifts, but to let the music of the Delta to continue to play on and inspire future generations of artists who may spring from this uniquely rich and fertile artistic landscape.

We sincerely appreciate your consideration in support of this monumental effort to erect a tribute in his honor.

For more info and opportunities to help, go to:
Levon Helm Memorial