Levon Helm died of cancer today (April 19) at the age of 71. Two days earlier, his family posted this message on their website: ” Dear Friends, Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey.”
Helm was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998 and although the illness took away much of his voice, he continued to record and perform.
His family has made this statement: “Levon Helm passed peacefully this afternoon. He was surrounded by family, friends and bandmates and will be remembered by all he touched as a brilliant musician and a beautiful soul.”
Helm was “a drummer who sang” with The Band. He’s also appeared in a number of movies including “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “The Right Stuff”. Among those who visited him in his last hours was old Band-mate Robbie Robertson.