Levon Helm

Legendary Drummer and Vocalist of The Band

Levon Helm was an American musician and actor, most famous for his role as the drummer and one of the vocalists for The Band, a rock group that initially gained fame backing Bob Dylan. Born on May 26, 1940, in Elaine, Arkansas, Helm was known for his deeply soulful, country-accented voice, and creative drumming style highlighted on songs like "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek." Before joining The Band, he played with rockabilly star Ronnie Hawkins. The Band's music fused elements of American traditional music with rock and roll and they were known for their musical virtuosity and the three-part vocal harmonies between Helm, Rick Danko, and Richard Manuel.