Amy Helm

Amy Helm was born on December 3, 1970, in Woodstock, New York. Growing up, she divided her time between Woodstock, Los Angeles, and New York City. Her early musical education included studying jazz under Aaron Bell at Trinity High School, while simultaneously performing in bands at New York City clubs and bars. Her parents, legendary drummer and singer Levon Helm of The Band and singer Libby Titus, provided a rich musical foundation and guided her training and influences from a young age.

Helm’s professional career began to flourish in 1999 when she joined her father’s blues band, The Barn Burners, touring across the United States and performing traditional blues music. In 2001, she co-founded the alt-country ensemble Ollabelle, releasing three albums: “Ollabelle” (2004), “Riverside Battle Songs” (2006), and “Neon Blue Bird” (2011). These albums and numerous live performances established her unique vocal and songwriting talents. In 2004, she played a crucial role in establishing the Midnight Ramble concerts at her father’s Woodstock home, which evolved from a local gathering into a renowned musical institution featuring artists like Emmylou Harris, Allen Toussaint, and Elvis Costello.

Her career saw significant milestones in the late 2000s and 2010s. She produced her father’s comeback album, “Dirt Farmer” (2007), which won a Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album in 2008. She was also involved in “Electric Dirt” (2009), which won the first Grammy for Best Americana Album, and the live album “Ramble at the Ryman” (2011), which also received a Grammy for Best Americana Album in 2012. Helm released her debut solo album, “Didn’t It Rain,” in 2015, featuring her father’s last recorded drum performances. She continued to release solo work, including “This Too Shall Light” (2018) on Yep Roc Records, “What the Flood Leaves Behind” (2021), and “Silver City” (2024) on Sun Records. Her extensive work as a background vocalist and whistler includes collaborations with artists such as Steely Dan, Mercury Rev, Linda Thompson, William Bell, Rich Robinson, and Rosanne Cash.