Levon Helm, one of the founding members of The Band, passed away this morning after battling throat cancer.

Known for his lyrics on songs like "Down on Cripple Creek" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", he was also a film actor. His most famous role was portraying famed USAF Flight Engineer Jack Ridley in "The Right Stuff" next to Sam Shepard, who portrayed famed Test Pilot Chuck Yeager.

There's a seat reserved for you in Heaven's Rock and Roll Band... venture forth, dear soul; you will be missed.

http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_20434624/levon-helm-key-member-band-d...

Alan