OPINION - Editorial

Music from Big Gray

One of Levon Helm's boyhood homes is being considered for the Arkansas Register of Historic Places. And why not? Tupelo has Elvis. Dyess has Johnny Cash. Turkey Scratch has Levon Helm.

Yes, the place is called Turkey Scratch. That's where the home was originally. The papers say the home has been moved to Marvell, where it's being restored. More people are likely to see it there anyway. We're not sure Turkey Scratch has a sign.

Ol' Levon might be one of the more influential artists ever from Arkansas. He was an actor, sure, but most of his influence came on the musical side of things. All these years later, songs from Music from Big Pink (1968) and The Band (1969) still play on classic rock radio--most of the still-popular songs sung by our man Levon Helm. (Although one old boy we know wants Richard Manuel's version of "I Shall Be Released" played at his funeral.)

The State Review Board is supposed to meet early next month to discuss several nominees to the register. Our considered editorial opinion on the old Helm home:

Why not?

At the very least, the story gives the DJs in central Arkansas another lead-in to "Up on Cripple Creek."

Editorial on 07/23/2018

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