Levon Helm in Critical Condition

THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN: Levon Helm, whose Southern drawl and crisp drumming characterized The Band's sound, is "in the final stages of his battle with cancer," a message reads on Helm's website. "Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey." It is signed by his daughter Amy, an artist who often performs with her father, and wife Sandy. The 71-year-old was diagnosed with throat cancer in the late ‘90s, and underwent intensive radiation treatment which damaged his voice. He was able to sing again, but his tenor deteriorated into a rasp on his Grammy-winning 2007 album, Dirt Farmer. He carried on a busy touring schedule and hosted "Midnight Ramble" events at his barn in Woodstock, N.Y. (4/17p)