LITTLE ROCK — An effort is underway to extend the musical heritage of Levon Helm, the drummer and a singer for The Band who died in 2012.
The state of Arkansas has named a highway for Helm, who appeared in Coal Miner's Daughter and The Right Stuff, and Anna Lee Amsden is backing efforts to raise $150,000 to preserve Helm's childhood home and erect a bust of the performer. Amsden was immortalized in the 1968 song "The Weight" as "Young Anna Lee."
Helm grew up at Turkey Scratch near the Mississippi River. He died in New York at age 71.
The group backing the effort hopes to qualify for matching funds from the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, which serves Turkey Scratch, and is pursuing a government grant.
Read Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.