Elaine News

Helena, Ark., Mayor Robert Miller talks outside of the Phillips County Court House in Helena, Wednesday, Feb.

Levon Helm. The name alone evokes Americana. And the man behind the name? Well, to put it simply, no other American in the past 50 years did more to put American "roots music" on the global map than Levon Helm.

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe has ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff Friday in honor of Levon Helm.

A few years ago, the Little Rock Pop Culture Examiner was spending a balmy Saturday morning at a local farmer's market when she happened upon a booth that was selling not produce but books and compact discs.

"Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey," his wife, Sandy, and daughter Amy wrote in a message posted to the artist's website.