Levon Helm, singer and drummer for the Band,

[rolf]

died Thursday in New York of throat cancer. He was 71...msn.com

Levon Helm – Dirt Farmer, American Minstrel He was born to music- lovin’ cotton farmers and grew up in a town called Turkey Scratch, pickin’ up the guitar by nine, blowin’ harmonica by ten; he hit the drum kit at fifteen after seeing Elvis and his band create frenzy with limbs that danced to heart- pumping rhythm. ..more at Wolfgang's Vault

Since high school, "The Weight", on "Music from Big Pink", has been one of my favorites.

[viking60]

Yeah Great Music and great guy. I have seen the Last Walz 7 times. The Band were great musicians and he was a special drummer. Not many drummers sing.
Now he has played The last walz:

[dedanna1029]

On VH1 a couple nights ago, they had that Martin Scorcese documentary of The Band's last concert (The Last Waltz, mentioned above). Great stuff, it was. Lots of Levon in it, singing away while never missing a beat on drums.

He will be sorely missed. No more being Up On Cripple Creek.