Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm (May 26, 1940 – April 19, 2012) was an American rock 'n' roller, Americana musician, and actor who achieved fame as the drummer and regular lead vocalist for the Band. Helm was known for his deeply soulful, country–accented voice, multi-instrumental ability, and creative drumming style, highlighted on many of the Band's recordings, such as "The Weight", "Up on Cripple Creek", and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down".