“The Band” drummer Levon Helm has reportedly died after his long and tedious battle with throat cancer. Helm was 71.

Reports say that Levon Helm, who was diagnosed with throat cancer back in the late 90s, passed away Thursday afternoon in his Manhattan home. Levon died surrounded by his friends and bandmates.

Levon Helm formed what would eventually become The Band with Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Rick Danko and Garth Hudson in 1964. The once-famous group went by several names, but didn’t become the “The Band” until after they toured with Bob Dylan in 1965 and 1966 . This became a reference to their back-up band history with various frontmen.

Helm has won three Grammy Awards for his solo work in the last four years. In 2008, The Band received the Grammys’ Lifetime Achievement Award.

Levon Helm is survived by his wife and daughter.