His website (http://www.levonhelm.com) reads as follows:
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.
Chances are you don’t know the name, but there’s an equal chance you know his song called “The Weight” or “Take A Load Off Annie”, the main lyric in it.
Helm’s also known for being part of the group “The Band” featuring Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Rick Danko and Garth Hudson, which formed in 1964.
Here’s the legendary drummer playing with the equally legendary John Hiatt at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in 2009:
And this video below just may be the last interview Levon Helm gave. It was made in February, and for the Sound Tracks: Quick Hits series by the Talbot Players in association with PBS Arts.
Helm passed away today, with family and friends by his side, and after a very long battle with throat cancer that started in the 90s.