A trio whose sound fuses the sheen of contemporary country with the more organic approach of '70s country and rock, Levon first came together in Franklin, Tennessee in 2014. Guitarist and lead vocalist Michael David Hall was working at a restaurant that also featured live music, and his band was booked to play a showcase there. Jake Singleton, who contributes bass and harmony vocals, was playing in another band that was on the bill that evening. Hall and Singleton were impressed with one another's talents, and they began writing songs and working out harmonies together, with Singleton giving up the drums, his original instrument, to play bass with Hall. In 1995, the two crossed paths with Ryan Holladay, a seasoned bluegrass musician whose voice blended beautifully with Hall and Singleton. With Holladay on guitar and harmony vocals, the trio was complete, and they adopted the name Levon, a reference to country-rock icon Levon Helm of the Band, as well as an early hit song for Elton John. After relocating to Nashville, Levon developed a buzz as they played club gigs and occasionally busked in the streets (a favored spot was near the entrance to the Pancake Pantry). As their profile grew, Levon opened shows for such stars as Willie Nelson, Lady Antebellum, and Florida Georgia Line. Soon record companies began courting the group, with Levon signing a deal with Columbia Nashville. The band's debut EP, a five-song release simply titled Levon, was released in May 2017. ~ Mark Deming