"The Weight"

Levon Helm was the drummer and regular lead vocalist for The Band. Levon also had a successful career as a film actor including playing Loretta Lynn's father in Coal Miner's Daughter. In 1998 Levon was diagnosed with throat cancer and he lost his singing voice. After treatment and against all the odds the cancer went into remission and he gradually regained his singing voice. He made a comeback with his 2007 album “Dirt Farmer”.Tragically the cancer returned and on April 17, 2012 his wife and daughter announced on Levon's website that he was “in the final stages of his battle with cancer" and thanked his fans. Two days later, Levon died at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

My 'Sight and Sound' link is a bit wayward and possibly a little bit incoherent :-) But, my photo is of Chopper-style motorcycle which I am linking to “The Weight” via the cult classic 1969 film “Easy Rider”. "The Weight" was originally recorded by The Band for their 1968 debut album “Music From Big Pink”. It was used in the film but could not be licensed for the soundtrack album.

For me an emotional performance of "The Weight" from the Ryman Auditorium. Great to see Levon and John Hiatt sharing the lead vocals. More emotional at the 4:48 point when Levon and his daughter, Amy, share the vocals.

Added to ~ Sight and Sound

♫ ♪ ♪ ♫ Listen here ~ The Weight ~ Levon Helm & John Hiatt