Bloglander

It's a sad day for rock and roll fans.

Levon Helm, the singer and drummer of The Band, and a key influence to countless other musicians who came in his wake, including many younger acts touring today, passed away today at age 71.

His death marks the end of a nasty battle with throat cancer that began in 1998.

Take a moment and enjoy this rendition of "Up on Cripple Creek" from The Band's legendary Last Waltz concert film and listen to one of the greatest voices in all of rock music.