The Grateful Dead Reader (Readers on American Musicians)

The Grateful Dead were one of the most fascinating rock bands and cultural phenomena of the 20th century. Although they had few mainstream or Top 40 hits, over the 30 years of their history they acquired a dedicated following of fans, known as Deadheads, mostly through their live performances. Known for their concerts replete with tie-dye-clad fans and an array of drugs, and of course for their music with its long improvizations, inspired by blues, folk and country, the Grateful Dead were more than just a fun-loving rock band; they were akin to a religion or a cult, argues this text. Although the Grateful Dead formally disbanded in 1995 after lead singer Jerry Garcia's untimely death, the band's legacy and its fans live on through a host of writings, tributes, biographies, fan magazines, online discussion groups, and web sites. This book collects the most important and illuminating writings by and about the band, its members, and its fans, aiming to provide a rich account of the Dead and their importance in rock music and popular culture. It includes interviews, profiles, concert and record pieces, and fictional accounts, each introduced and placed in context by the volume editor. This book is intended for "Deadheads" and other rock fans as well as scholars of popular music and culture.