Grateful Dead Biography

The Grateful Dead was an American rock band, regarded as one of the greatest rock bands of all time, managing to sell more than 35 million albums worldwide.

Early Formation

Singer and songwriter Jerry Garcia was the original founder who later became friends with songwriter Robert Hunter, music composer Phil Lesh, guitarist Bob Weir and keyboardist Ron “Pigpen” McKernan. They eventually formed a group and finally named themselves the Grateful Dead in 1965. They started gaining a following in San Francisco, gained a record deal but were soon dropped.

Career Beginnings

Influenced by folk and country, they released a self-titled debut album under Warner Bros. in 1967. The album failed so they added drummer Mickey Hart to the mix. The band made a small recovery with 1968’s Anthem of the Sun but that was soon tarnished by 1969’s Aoxomoxoa. Their next move was to listen to fans and release a live album called Live/Dead. The album was well received as it highlighted their improvisational, and live skills. They released two more live albums, Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty. The Dead’s most popular songs were created as a result: Uncle John’s Band, Casey Jones, and Sugar Magnolia. Recognizing the strength in their live act, the Grateful Dead spent most of the time touring. It attracted fans (Deadheads) who were into drugs and fashion, becoming the main attraction of the shows. Following 2 more final albums under Warner Bros, Pigpen McKernan died in 1973 and was replaced with keyboardist Keith Godchaux. Grateful Dead issued 2 more albums under their own imprint before entering a hiatus.

Struggles and Success

They returned in 1976 and were signed to Artista Records, releasing their weakest album, Go to Heaven in 1980. More turmoil followed after Godchaux was fired and died in a car accident the same year. The band replaced him with Brent Mydland. They reemerged with 2 LPs but stuck to touring for some time, as it sold better. Their first radio success arrived with the studio LP In the Dark which spawned their first Top 10 hit Touch of Grey in 1987. They saw an exponential rise in popularity and as a result, their shows became more violent due to the extreme drug use at their shows. This rise and fall was a continuous factor in their career.

Tragedy and Disbandment

Although they managed to record an album with Bob Dylon, tragedy ensued when two fans died at their concerts. Band member Mydland died as well due to a drug overdose in 1990. He was replaced by Vince Welnick and Bruce Hornsby. After some major health problems and continuous drug intake, Garcia died as well in 1995. The band was disbanded but the remaining members continued to be active. Dick’s Picks was released as a live album followed by tour reunions between members like Weir and Hart in 1996 and Lesh and Hornsby in 1998. All of them were reunited in 2000 followed by another break-up. They each went to perform in pairs with their own respective bands. The Grateful Dead was reunited once again in 2015 for a final concert called Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead.

Photo source AllMusic