Richard Manuel
The Felt Forum, 
New York City
December 26, 1969
 
by Michael Friedman
 
Considered by the other members of The Band to be more or less the lead singer. His main instrument was piano, but he also played drums when Levon switched to guitar or mandolin. He was a warm and charismatic guy and a hell raiser.  Tragically, he died at the age 
of 42.
 
“For me, Richard was the true light of The Band. When he sang in that high falsetto the hair on my neck would stand on end. Not many people can do that.”    - Eric Clapton