Shelley King: Levon's New Drum Set
![[album cover]](kick_up_your_heels.jpg)
Written by Shelley King
Album: Kick Up Your Heels, 2019
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Austin-based Shelley King is "royalty" in Texas and the first woman to be appointed Official State Musician of Texas by the legislature. In addition to being a multi-award winning singer-songwriter-bandleader, King is known for her soulful vocals and powerful performances.
Shelley King pays tribute to Levon Helm on the lead-off cut on her Kick up Your Heels album from 2019. The song is inspired by King's own experiences from meeting Levon and playing at his Midnight Rambles in Woodstock, NY. Check out the Rolling Stone article "Austin Songwriter Shelley King Pays Tribute to Levon Helm, Imagines His 'New Drum Set'" for the whole story, including the reason for both the song title and its mysterious "thunder intro".