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Levon Helm in 'Final Stages' of Cancer Battle

The Band's Levon HelmRick Diamond, Getty Images

WOODSTOCK, N.Y. (AP) - Levon Helm, a former member of the Band, is in the final stages of his long battle with cancer.

A message posted Tuesday on the 71-year-old musician's website by his family says "Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer."

Helm was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998 and the illness reduced his voice to a whisper. But he still continued to sing on albums and at rollicking concerts at his Woodstock home.

Helm was a key member of the Band and lent his distinctive Southern voice to classics like "The Weight" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."

Original members of the Band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

Levon Helm's Cancer Battle

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Joy

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April 20 2012 at 6:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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April 19 2012 at 11:06 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
pineknut

LEVON...Been following your talents since your days with the Hawk. Man, what a legacy you have left for your family. Friends and fans are left with over 50 years of music and movies to enjoy in remembrance of one ot the finest yarners to have ever shared his voice (My good man used to get so mad because I always wanted to listen to your distinct singing voice while we were being intimate.) He's passed on now but I still have your songs to help get me through the desolate times. I hope in peaceful moments you remember times shared with Robbie and the boys back in the glory days when we just didn't give a damn.

April 18 2012 at 3:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mgkz28

From one Drummer to another THANK YOU LEVON AND GOD BLESS !
Thank you for all the music!
Mike K

April 18 2012 at 3:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
metsar

It's sad to read this, but what a life he has had. His contribution to the 60's sound is a significant one.

May your passing be gentle, and may you rest in peace, Mr. Helm.

April 18 2012 at 3:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dpcarrara6

Levon, thank you for sharing your gift of music and good will with us. You are beautiful, inside and out.. Will always cherish the memory and good feelings of being in your barn and a witness to Cabin Fever. Prayers for you, God bless.
Hippiechick

April 18 2012 at 2:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kesline

God Bless You Levon. I am praying for you. Thank You for making the world a better place with the love, joy, and happines your music and personality has brought to so many people.
Mike Kessler

April 18 2012 at 2:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jake

God bless, Levon. You and the Band are the greatest!! Thanks for all of the music we still enjoy. "Up on Cripple Creek, She sends me!"

April 18 2012 at 2:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bbblehead

Levon!!!! You will always live on. I play and sing your music and I will til the day comes we meet in the great hereafter. Thank you my brother for all the things you did and how you inspired me and so many other people...God Bless you Levon...you will always be in my prayers.

April 18 2012 at 1:56 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply