Mark Levon Helm battles for life

Levon Helm, the 71-year-old musician, who is one of the biggest drummer and vocalist for the iconic group 'The Band' is in the last stage of cancer and is struggling between life and death.

Mark Levon Helm, born on May 26, 1940 in Arkansas, is an American rock multi-instrumentalist. He is also an actor who achieved fame as the drummer and frequent lead & backing vocalist for 'The Band'.

In a brief announcement on Facebook, Levon Helm's family wrote, “Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration.” This was duly signed by his wife Sandy and daughter Amy.

Helm is known for his deep and soulful music and voice. His drumming style was especially unique. Few of the band recordings include: The Weight, Up on Cripple Creek, Ophelia and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.

Mark Levon won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in February 2008 in the comeback album Dirt Farmer. Levon was also ranked #91 in the list of The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine.