A Legacy of Music: Singer-songwriter Amy Helm returns to Savannah Music Festival

The last time Amy Helm graced one of our stages was in 2021 when she opened for Little Feat at the Savannah Theatre. Now the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter is returning for two highly anticipated performances at this year’s Savannah Music Festival.

“I want what I think every artist wants at our core, continued creative expression as the ultimate freedom,” said Helm in a press release. “To hold it because it’s our calling and our birthright.”

Having a birthright to create music may be an understatement for Helm whose father was Levon Helm, drummer and vocalist for legendary roots rockers, The Band, who passed away in 2012. Helm’s mother is singer-songwriter Libby Titus, who wrote songs for Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon, and Bonnie Raitt. It’s also noteworthy that Helm’s stepfather in the '70s was Dr. John, and her stepfather since 1993 is Donald Fagen of Steely Dan.

Having been surrounded by such an incredibly talented family, who have encouraged and influenced her throughout her life, has shaped Helm into an outstanding songwriter, interpreter, educator, organizer, performer, and producer in her own right.

After years of collaborating with other artists, Helm steps out solo

Helm resides in Woodstock, New York where she owns and operates the studio her father built, Levon Helm Studios, or more lovingly referred to as “The Barn.” Helm joined and toured with her father’s blues band, The Barn Burners, in 1999. Helm won Grammy awards for co-producing her father’s late-career albums, Dirt Farmer, (2008 Best Traditional Folk Album) and Electric Dirt (first ever Grammy award for Best Americana Album 2010). She also carries on Levon Helm’s legacy by continuing to organize the annual Dirt Farmer Festival, and performing in the monthly Midnight Rambles, a famed live concert/jam series hosted at Levon Helm Studios since 2004 that has featured guests such as Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Allen Toussaint, Phil Lesh.

Helm developed as a performer and singer over the years singing backup on dozens of recordings for artists Dr. John, Steely Dan, Mercury Rev, Rosanne Cash, and Linda Thompson. In 2001 Helm co-founded the alt-country band Ollabelle, which toured for 10 years and released three acclaimed albums.

Out of Helm’s many talents and accomplishments, it’s her voice that stands out the most. Helm’s rich, expressive voice has been described as one that “soars, flays, pleads, celebrates, guides, heals, teaches, and above all…makes you feel.” She is at home singing many genres of American roots music like R&B, folk, country, rock, and especially gospel and blues.

After accruing years of collaborative music experience with dozens of established performers, Helm was ready to step out as a solo artist with her debut solo album, 2015’s Didn’t It Rain. Helm stepped out of her comfort zone again in 2018 when she relocated to Los Angeles to record her sophomore album, This Too Shall Light, with producer Joe Henry at the famed United Recording Studio (where the Beach Boys recorded Pet Sounds). The album showcased Helm’s ability to cover a variety of styles and artists, including songs by Odetta, Rod Stewart, and Blossom Dearie.

Helm’s most recent album, 2021’s What the Flood Leaves Behind, saw Helm return to “the barn” in Woodstock with producer Josh Kaufman and several incredible musicians that she has been playing with for decades. The album brought together all her experience growing up immersed in music in the Hudson Valley, and her continued growth as an accomplished singer and a songwriter.

Helm recently completed her fourth album, recorded again with Josh Kaufman, and set for release this summer on Sun Records. With constant touring, writing, producing, organizing festivals, Midnight Rambles, and a studio to run, Helm is busier than ever, so be sure to catch one of her performances at the Savannah Music Festival on April 12.

If You Go >>

What: Savannah Music Festival presents Amy Helm

When: 6 p.m., 8:30 p.m., April 12

Where: Metal Building at Trustees' Garden, 660 E. Broughton St.

Cost: $42

Info: savannahmusicfestival.org

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Singer-songwriter Amy Helm returns to Savannah Music Festival