Levon Helm Marker-Turkey Scratch

Marker honors Levon Helm, who was born in 1940 near Elaine and grew up at Turkey Scratch, west of Helena. As a child, he was influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson, and he later gained fame with The Band, a famous group known for incorporating many styles, including country, rock and blues.  He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. A multi-talented musician (Helm played drums, mandolin, guitar and harmonica), he was famous for his vocals and songwriting – and also found a successful career in acting, appearing in “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “The Right Stuff,” and “Shooter.” He died in 2012 after battling cancer. Helm is the only artist to be honored with two Grammy awards for Best Americana Album (in 2010, when the award was first presented, and again in 2012). A stop on the Arkansas Delta Music Trail: Sounds from the Soil and Soul.