I didn't know he was sick, but apparently Levon Helm is not doing well. Wilco posted the following letter from his family on their FaceBook page:

Dear Friends,
Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey. ...

Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration... he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage...

We appreciate all the love and support and concern.
From his daughter Amy, and wife Sandy

I caught this on FB. Sadness.

One of my earliest non-Beatles rock and roll memories is watching the Last Waltz with my dad. He told me a little about each of the performers as we watched it together. We must have watched it a dozen times on Starz or HBO or whatever that early cable box was called. My dad was in a wheelchair and spent a lot of time in bed to rest his back, and these were great bonding times for us. I thought Levon looked very cool and I couldn't get enough of hearing him sing The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. This is a major bummer.

Oh, dear. This is very sad news. It was great to watch him play and sing and just talk in "The Last Waltz." He seemed to be having a great time. He brought a lot of love to his music and it really showed there.

I don't know how much acting he did but I enjoyed his parts in Coal Miners Daughter and The Right Stuff.

Wow. Very sad. I love Levon. I couldn't get enough of the Last Waltz and saw the Band without Robbie Robertson several times.

My Dad tells the story of him and my Mom cheering in the movie theater during the Last waltz.

God Bless You.

It's on his website too
http://www.levonhelm.com/

When the Red Vic closed in San Francisco a few months ago, they finished with a screening of The Last Waltz, and yes, people cheered after songs. It was great fun to see it on the big screen with a full house.

Very sad news. My brother and I were planning to see him at NO Jazzfest in a couple of weeks. One of the true greats, such a sensitive player and an amazingly elastic voice. He always seemed to be all about the music and bringing joy to others. The time I spent discovering and absorbing the Band's music is the most rewarding and sustained period of listening I ever enjoyed. It touched my heart, brain and soul, and Levon's voice had such an intensity and authenticity that I was amazed that they were so little known.

For a few years of my childhood, Levon Helm and John Fogerty were the soundtrack. Southern Louisiana AM radio loved The Band and CCR.

I have never seen The Last Waltz, but I dug that performance of "The Night..."

Alan

I truly love The Band-one of the most unique-sounding acts ever. And, this is terrible news. I wish Mr. Helm well on his next journey. Thank you for the music my friend.

a friend of mine who is a good friend of Levon's just posted about this today.
sadness indeed. i believe the last waltz celebrated its 34th anniversary this week.

One of the greatest musical experiences of my life was attending one of Levon's Rambles at his home. The night we saw the show he was not feeling well but as soon as he got behind the drums his face filled with joy, he became 20 years younger. A man who has truly lived out his life's purpose.

I still have a clear memory of Levon Helm on Saturday Night Live, playing with Dr. John and Paul Butterfield. Google says that was all the way back in 1977, so it must've made an impression.

Godspeed, Levon.

Alan, you owe it to yourself to see The Last Waltz movie. The music and performances are outstanding, and converted me into an instant fan.

Such sad news about Levon's health. I wish him well in his battle, and hope for a minimum of pain and suffering for Levon and his loved ones.

I've never been a huge fan of the Band, but I bought Levon's Dirt Farmer after reading a good review. That is a wonderful album. I enjoyed it so much that buying Electric Dirt was automatic - no review necessary. I hoped there would be more to come, but apparently that's not going to be the case. Thanks, Levon.

Coincidentally, tonight's Modern Family episode is called "The Last Walt".

Jim

.....it's also the ultimate in bad 1970's clothing

Here's more Levon from the movie.........

Just got an instant update stating that Levon has passed away. RIP