Rolling Stones keyboardist Leavell visits Duluth, plays Dylan song

A special guest paid Duluth a visit while recording an episode of his TV show, playing a song from a homegrown musician.

Chuck Leavell has been the Rolling Stones’ premiere keyboard player for decades. He also hosts a show on PBS called "America’s Forests," highlighting the use of wood and the practice of forestry.

Leavell told WDIO News that Minnesota is a great forestry state and he’s pleased to highlight the great forestry practices in the state.

When he knew he’d visit Duluth, Leavell knew he should take the opportunity to play a song by Bob Dylan.

"We couldn’t resist the fact that Dylan is from this area. I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting Bob on a few occasions, sitting in, he has sat in with us — with the Rolling Stones — playing this very song, ‘Like a Rolling Stone,’ and so there is a relationship there," Leavell said.

On Tuesday at Sacred Heart Music Center, Leavell sang "Like a Rolling Stone" and played piano with Big Wave Dave and the Ripples.

Leavell explained, "I went through a few YouTube videos of different bands, I saw Big Dave and the band, and I said, ‘these are the guys I’d like to play with!’"

This is Leavell’s first visit to Duluth, but not Minnesota – he’s been in Minneapolis for concerts and recording sessions.

Leavell will be in town for a few days. He visited the Louisiana Pacific Mill Tueday and also plans to learn more about "Highway 61 Reforested," a program that plays on the name of Dylan’s legendary "Highway 61 Revisited" album.

The episode being shot in the area is expected to air later this year.