Even though The Band had a trio of lead and harmony singers, Manuel was often regarded as the band's primary vocalist. Manuel's vocal style was described as a soulful baritone with a delicate falsetto, with frequent comparisons to Ray Charles. They had hoped to work with Williamson, but he passed away before they could begin their collaboration. They first met Sonny Boy Williamson as a duo with Levon and the Hawks after the departure of Penfound and Bruno. The majority of the Hawkins group's songs were sung by Manuel, who served as the group's de facto leader due to Helm's long tenure. Before changing their name to the Canadian Squires and then Levon and the Hawks, it was initially known as the Levon Helm Sextet (Helm had spent the most time with Hawkins). The group left Hawkins' employment in 1964 after becoming increasingly enraged by the singer's anti-marijuana and anti-modern music views. Levon Helm, 21, Robbie Robertson, 17, Rick Danko, 17, and Garth Hudson, 24, were already members of the band. He joined the Hawks, Hawkins' backing band, at 18. Before his death in 1986, Manuel was a member of The Band. The group officially disbanded in 1976 and reformed in part in 1983. The Hawks was formed in December 1961 and became The Band in 1967. Musician and composer Richard George Manuel was best known for his work with The Band as a pianist and vocalist. He's also set up a music scholarship program because he has a passion for music. He has helped organize annual concerts to help raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He's a generous giver who supports charities that help cancer patients and children in need. He has won numerous Grammy Awards for his outstanding music. 'This I Promise You' and 'Dance With My Father' were among the many hits he produced for other artists in addition to his solo success. As well as his ballads, he's equally adept at putting out classic hardcore rock. He has sold over 30 million albums and 17 number-one singles in the United States, where he dominates pop and adult contemporary radio stations. As a backup vocalist, he worked with Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers in the 1980s and 1990s. As a child, his father wrote the jingles he sang in. Elvis Presley and Sam Cooke, in addition to his jingle-writing father and singing mother, were major influences on him as a musician. From an early age, he was exposed to the world of music. Richard Marx was born into a musical family. There were many awards for him, including the Golden Globe for best actor in a musical or comedy for "Camelot," the Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Award for "This Sporting Life" in 1963, and the Grammy Award for "Best Spoken Word Recording" with his recording of "Jonathan Livingston Seagull." He also won the "Golden Globe" for best actor in a musical or comedy for "Camelot." The talented singer and songwriter had many albums to his name. Harris has also appeared in several television shows. In 1963, he made 'This Sporting Life,' which is widely regarded as his commercial breakthrough and the pinnacle of his filmography. He got his big break in Hollywood movies after working in various theater productions. When Harris moved from Ireland to London to pursue a career in the performing arts, he began his creative journey. He has also appeared in several other films, including 'A Man Called Horse, Unforgiven, and Gladiator, and the first two Harry Potter films. Frank Machin, King Arthur, John Morgan, English Bob, Marcus Aurelius, and Albus Dumbledore are just a few of his most popular roles. He is best known for the wide range of roles he has played in his long career in the entertainment industry. Richard John Harris is an Irish actor, singer, director, writer, and producer.