Levon Helm Loses Battle to Throat Cancer

The great drummer and singer of the group “The Band” died Thursday at the age of 71 after over a decade long battle with throat cancer.

The sad news was released on Helm’s website, “Levon Helm passed peacefully this afternoon. He was surrounded by family, friends and band mates and will be remembered by all he touched as a brilliant musician and a beautiful soul.”

For many, Helm is the most iconic member of the group which went from being touring musicians for Bob Dylan to becoming one of the most iconic musical acts of the the late 1960’s. The Band toured extensively in the early 70’s; so extensively that in 1976 they planned a farewell concert called “The Last Waltz.” This would go on to be one of the the group’s most memorable performances, joined on stage by people like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Joni Mitchell.

In memory of Helm, here’s a clip of what many consider to be his finest performance: singing and drumming “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” from the Last Waltz concert.