by Marc Schneider, N.Y. |
April 17, 2012 5:45 EDT
www.billboard.com
So many great songs and recordings.
Levon Helm, a treasured voice in Americana music whose Southern drawl and busy-but-tight drumming brought an authenticity to The Band, is losing his decade-long battle with cancer, his family announced on Tuesday.
"Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer," a message reads on Helm's website. "Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey."
It is signed by his daughter Amy, an artist who often performs with her father, and wife Sandy.
Helm, 71, was diagnosed with throat cancer in the late 1990s and underwent intensive radiation treatment which greatly damaged his voice. Over time he was able to sing again, but his once-strong tenor had become the weathered rasp that can be heard on his Grammy winning 2007 album, "Dirt Farmer." He has carried on a busy touring schedule and hosts "Midnight Ramble" events at his barn in Woodstock, New York.
Several of his scheduled shows in recent weeks have been canceled.
At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, Helm's former bandmate Robbie Robertson offered his "prayers and love" for the drummer who, early on in their partnership, was the musical leader. Levon and The Hawks emerged in 1963 after Helm and Canadian transplants Robertson, bassist Rick Danko, organist Garth Hudson and pianist Richard Manuel broke off from Ronnie Hawkins.
More Here at Billboard.com Levon Helm in 'Final Stages' of Cancer
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