State Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk announced legislation to designate State Route 375 as “Levon Helm Memorial Boulevard” has passed the Senate unanimously after passing the Assembly last month.
“Levon Helm is a true American icon,” Senator Tkaczyk said. “And as a critically-acclaimed international star he could have lived anywhere in the world, but made his home in Woodstock and did so much for his community and for the local economy.”
Helm held the first of his famous Midnight Ramble Sessions in January of 2004 at his Woodstock studio. His monthly Rambles at “The Barn” became wildly successful and he was joined by a Who’s-Who of blues, rock and jazz greats.
“These shows were a huge boost for tourism and for the Ulster County economy,” Senator Tkaczyk said. “They attracted music lovers from all over the world.”
When he was just 12 years old, he formed his first band with his younger sister and they played shows and won over audiences at the local 4-H clubs. Many years later, as a member of the The Band, Levon left his imprint on American Music.
Living together at the House known as “Big Pink” in beautiful Woodstock NY, Helm and The Band created wonderful music that recalled the country, blues and bluegrass that had first influenced them.
The measure (A.5176/ S.3935) sponsored by Assemblyman Kevin Cahill in the Assembly, would designate state Route 375 leading into Woodstock as “Levon Helm Memorial Boulevard.” It passed the Assembly last month, and now goes to the Governor for his signature. The measure was sponsored in the Senate by Senators Tkaczyk and John Bonacic.
“This is a fitting tribute to a musician from Arkansas who became a symbol of Woodstock, and who did so much for Upstate NY,” Senator Tkaczyk said.
A fitting tribute to a good man and a great musician.
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