Helm was born in Fairmead, California and began playing brass instruments when he was young.[1] He later turned to alto saxophone and by the age of 11 was a professional tenor saxophonist who also played several other instruments.[1] He met Lu Watters and Turk Murphy in 1935 and began playing with them.[1] Five years in the army were followed by returns to the same leaders.[1] He recorded an album as a leader in 1954.[2] Helm continued to play into the 1990s and in 1994–95 recorded another album, Hotter than That, for Stomp Off.[1] He died in San Rafael, California, on September 1, 2002.[1]
