Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. Known for their eclectic music style, the band blended elements of rock, folk, country, jazz, bluegrass, blues, and psychedelic rock, creating a unique sound that was instrumental in defining the Jam Band scene.
Formation and Early Years
- The band was originally known as The Warlocks, formed by Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzmann.
- They changed their name to Grateful Dead due to another band already using the name "The Warlocks".
Music and Influence
The Grateful Dead was known for:
- Long, improvisational live performances where songs could evolve over time and setlists varied from show to show.
- Their dedicated fan base, known as "Deadheads", who followed the band on tour.
- Influencing a wide range of musicians and bands in genres from rock to country to jam bands.
Key Members
Notable Albums
Disbandment and Legacy
Following the death of Jerry Garcia in 1995, the band ceased to exist under its original name, but many members continued to perform in different configurations:
Sources
See Also