But Helm is best known for providing the vocals to such rock 'n' roll standards as "The Weight" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, " the latter a tale of a Confederate veteran sizing up his wasted land.

CNN: Levon Helm, co-founder of The Band, dead at 71

The trio proved to be box-office gold: They were two of the highest-grossing films of their time, winning a slew of awards -- including a best picture Oscar for the latter, a tale of con men in 1930s Chicago.

CNN: Paul Newman dies at 83