Levon Helm: Drummer of The Band Dies at 71

Levon Helm was an American drummer, singer and actor. Born on May 26, 1940, in Elaine, Arkansas, he joined Ronnie Hawkins as a teenager.

He was the drummer and a lead vocalist of The Band, singing on "The Weight" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." The Band backed Bob Dylan and played the farewell concert filmed by Martin Scorsese as The Last Waltz (1976). He acted in Coal Miner's Daughter and The Right Stuff.

He won three Grammy Awards for his later albums, including Dirt Farmer. Helm died of throat cancer in New York City on April 19, 2012, at age 71.

Achievements: Three Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Birth: May 26, 1940 - Elaine, Arkansas.

Profession: Drummer and singer.

Interesting Facts: He hosted "Midnight Rambles" at his Woodstock barn.