Biography
Amy Helm is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose work bridges the worlds of Americana, modern blues, folk, and gospel. Born in Woodstock, New York, in 1970, she was raised in a vibrant musical environment as the daughter of legendary drummer Levon Helm (of The Band) and singer-songwriter Libby Titus. Her upbringing spanned Woodstock, Los Angeles, and New York City, exposing her to diverse musical traditions and scenes from an early age. Amy began performing in her teens, initially playing in Manhattan bars and later joining her father's blues band, The Barn Burners, where she honed her stagecraft and deepened her commitment to music.[1][3][5]
Helm's career took a significant leap forward when she co-founded the alt-country collective Ollabelle in 2001, a group that quickly gained acclaim for their innovative blend of roots genres and dynamic live performances. She also became a key figure in her father's Midnight Ramble Band, contributing vocals, mandolin, and co-producing his Grammy-winning album 'Dirt Farmer.' Following Levon Helm's passing in 2012, Amy launched her solo career, releasing albums such as 'Didn't It Rain' (2015), 'This Too Shall Light' (2018), and 'What the Flood Leaves Behind' (2021), each showcasing her soulful voice, emotive songwriting, and reverence for American musical traditions.[1][3][4][5]
Amy Helm's musical style is characterized by its emotional honesty, blending elements of blues, gospel, folk, and soul. Her work is deeply autobiographical, often reflecting on themes of loss, resilience, and transformation. Beyond her own recordings, she has played a vital role in preserving and expanding her father's legacy, overseeing Levon Helm Studios and curating events like the Dirt Farmer Festival. Through her artistry and leadership, Amy Helm has established herself as a torchbearer for roots music, inspiring a new generation of musicians.[1][3][4][5]
Fun Facts
- Amy Helm played her first public gig in her early teens at a Manhattan bar, long before launching her professional career.
- She co-produced her father's Grammy-winning comeback album 'Dirt Farmer' and helped organize the legendary Midnight Ramble concerts at Levon Helm Studios.
- Amy's stepfather is Donald Fagen, co-founder of Steely Dan, further deepening her connections to American music royalty.
- She continues to oversee Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, a historic recording venue that has hosted artists like Bob Weir, Norah Jones, and Mavis Staples.
Associated Acts
- The All Star Band - lead vocals
- The Levon Helm Band - lead vocals
- Ollabelle
- Sisters of the Strawberry Moon
- Songs Of Our Own - lead vocals
- Songs Of Our Own - guitar
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Levon Helm - Father and chief musical mentor; taught her performance, humility, and the craft of live music (Midnight Ramble Band, 'Dirt Farmer' album) [1990s–2012]
- Libby Titus - Mother; provided early musical and personal inspiration (Family influence, songwriting guidance) [1970s–present]
- Donald Fagen - Stepfather; encouraged her performance and artistic growth (Family influence, performance opportunities) [1980s–present]
Key Collaborators
- Ollabelle - Co-founder and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist in the alt-country collective (Ollabelle albums and tours) [2001–2010s]
- Midnight Ramble Band - Core member, vocalist, and instrumentalist in Levon Helm's band (Live performances, 'Dirt Farmer', 'Electric Dirt') [2000s–2012]
- Larry Campbell - Frequent collaborator, producer, and musician on solo albums ('Didn't It Rain', Midnight Ramble Band) [2000s–present]
- Teresa Williams - Vocalist and collaborator on solo and Ramble projects ('Didn't It Rain', Midnight Ramble Band) [2000s–present]
- Joe Henry - Producer of her second solo album ('This Too Shall Light') [2018]
Artists Influenced
- Members of Ollabelle and Midnight Ramble Band - Her leadership and musical direction have shaped the sound and careers of fellow band members (Ollabelle albums, Midnight Ramble Band performances) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Halfway Home By Morning | 2019-03-22 | Album |
| Halfway Home by Morning | 2019-03-22 | Album |
| Dylanology (Live) | 2025-04-25 | Album |
| This Too Shall Light | 2018-09-21 | Album |
| Didn't It Rain | 2015-07-24 | Album |
| Silver City | 2024-07-26 | Album |
| Always Will Be | 2025-04-25 | Album |
| What the Flood Leaves Behind | 2021-06-18 | Album |
| Halfway Home by Morning | 2019-03-22 | Album |
| Twilights | 2022-03-18 | Album |
| What the Flood Leaves Behind | 2021-06-18 | Album |
| Solstice | 2019-03-22 | Album |
| Halfway Home By Morning | 2019-03-22 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Like A Songbird That Has Fallen (Solstice)
- Rescue Me (Didn't It Rain)
- Something To Lose (Halfway Home By Morning)
- Something To Lose (Halfway Home By Morning)
- Breathing (What the Flood Leaves Behind)
- Something to Lose - feat. Amy Helm (Halfway Home by Morning)
- This Too Shall Light (This Too Shall Light)
- Mandolin Wind (This Too Shall Light)
- Money On 7 (Silver City)
- Twilight (Twilights)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
Amy Helm has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28, 2025 | 23:24 | Freedom For The Stallion | The Rhythm Roomw/ Allan "Alski" Laskey | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | 15:09 | Mandolin Wind | Homespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River | |
| Oct 25, 2025 | 22:26 | Dear Louisiana | Awake and Willingw/ Peggy Lou | |
| Oct 19, 2025 | 23:56 | Buckets Of Rain | What's Neww/ Duane Williams |