A bout with throat cancer robbed him of the ability to sing for a time, but thankfully, Levon Helm has returned to recording. The battle scars are audible — it’s not quite the same voice that sang “The Weight” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” — but somehow, that just manages to suffuse the music on his new solo record, Dirt Farmer, with a superb sense of authenticity. Julia Clarke will tell you more in this edition of the Songlines podcast.

 

 Levon Helm podcast [6:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Have plans for New Year’s Eve? Well, Levon is doing one of his famous Midnight Rambles that night. We wouldn’t be surprised if some great guests are along for the ride. Get the details here.