Not all bands can carve out a style that is truly one of a kind. The Grateful Dead is one of the few bands that succeeded in doing that. They created an identity and a unique sound that blended rock, blues, folk, country, and even gospel.
The band was formed in 1965, in the San Francisco Bay area, originally under the name of The Warlocks. The band's best-known member, singer/songwriter Jerry Garcia, was a long-time bluegrass enthusiast. He joined guitarist Bob Weir, keyboardist Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, bassist Phil Lesh, and drummer Bill Kreutzmann.
The Grateful Dead initially developed a loyal following with a series of free concerts and were considered leaders of the hippie movement in San Francisco. They headlined with other psychedelic bands, such as Jefferson Airplane. In 1967, their first album appeared on a Warner Brothers label. Early on, it became apparent that live shows were their forte, and studio work was secondary. The music of the band spanned three decades, but remained rooted in the "San Francisco Sound".
Grateful Dead Lyrics
Along with their unique musical sound, the Grateful Dead added unforgettable lyrics to many of their songs. For lyrics to Grateful Dead songs, visit the following:
The fans of the Grateful Dead were some of the most loyal of any band and supported them with almost a religious fervor. They refer to themselves as "Deadheads". The legacy of the Grateful Dead includes an extensive list of songs, years of constant touring, and continually reinventing their own music. This band kept the spirit of the sixties alive by combining rock and roll energy with psychedelics. They created an unparalleled synergy between band and audience.
Jerry Garcia died in 1995 at the age of 53. In December 1995, the Dead announced that they would disband. It was a sad ending to an exciting journey--or in their own words, "What a long strange trip it's been."