Levon Helm was an American musician and actor, best known as the drummer and vocalist for the rock band The Band. Born on April 17, 1940, in Arkansas, he played a significant role in shaping the sound of American music, blending rock, folk, and country influences. Helm's distinctive voice and drumming style contributed to the band's success, particularly in songs like "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek." In addition to his music career, Helm appeared in several films, including Coal Miner's Daughter and The Right Stuff. He won multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Helm passed away on April 19, 2012, leaving a lasting legacy in the music world.