Levon (song)


"Levon" is a song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and recorded by Elton John. John recorded it on February 27, 1971, and released it on his fourth album, Madman Across the Water. Backing vocals are provided by Tony Burrows.
The song reached number 24 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and peaked at number six on the Canadian RPM singles chart.

History

According to Gus Dudgeon, Bernie Taupin was inspired by The Band's co-founder, drummer and singer Levon Helm to name the song after him. The Band was apparently John and Taupin's favourite group at the time. In 2013, however, Taupin said that the song is unrelated to Levon Helm.
The "Alvin Tostig" mentioned in the song is, according to Taupin, merely fictional.

Notable covers and performances

"Levon" has been covered by several artists, including, Myles Kennedy, Jon Bon Jovi and Canadian rock singer-songwriter Billy Klippert. Mary McCreary recorded a version of "Levon" on her highly regarded LP "Jezebel", Shelter Records SR-2110. Phil Lesh and Friends started playing the song in April 2012, shortly after Levon Helm's death.