Drummer Levon Helm dead at 71

The Band's drummer Levon Helm lost his battle to throat cancer on Thursday at age 71.

Helm also sang numerous songs for the Band and was recognized by fans for his southern style preacher voice.

He is remembered by other famous musicians as charismatic and an inspiration to go far in the music business.

From 1980-2008 he starred in various films, but music was always said to be his true passion.

His wife and daughter have thanked his fans and stated that he loved nothing better than to entertain people.

Flickr photo: wfuv