Jerry Garcia, (born Jerome John Garcia), (August 1, 1942 - August 9, 1995) is famous as guitarist and primary singer of the psychedelic rock band the Grateful Dead, though his extensive career involved many other projects. He has become one of the most intently studied musicians in history. Garcia started on the piano, moved to guitar, and eventually became a master on many stringed instruments, despite the loss of a finger in his youth.

Garcia was born in San Francisco, California. Garcia dropped out of high school in 1960 and enlisted in the Army. Garcia was still spending his hours at his leisure, picking up the acoustic guitar at this time. The rigors and structure of Army life did not appeal to Garcia and he was discharged from the Army after accruing 2 courts martial and 8 AWOLs. Upon returning to the Bay Area, Garcia and a poet named Robert Hunter teamed up to create some music. Later, Hunter would become the main lyricist for the Grateful Dead.

Shortly after returning to San Francisco, Garcia joined a local bluegrass and folk band called Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions, whose membership also included Bob Weir and "Pigpen" Ron McKernan. In 1965, this group evolved into the Warlocks, which would in turn become the Grateful Dead in 1966.

From 1965 to 1995, the band toured almost constantly, developing a fan base, known as deadheads, renowned for their intensity and devotion. Some fans dedicated their lives to the band, following the Dead from concert to concert, making a living by selling handmade goods, arts and crafts and other items in the parking lot of venues before shows. Garcia was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

In addition to the Grateful Dead (who very frequently toured for long periods), Garcia had numerous side projects, the most notable being the Jerry Garcia Band. He was also involved with various acoustic vehicles such as Old and In the Way and other bluegrass bands, including collaborations with noted bluegrass mandolinist David Grisman. The documentary "Grateful Dawg" chronicles the deep friendship between Jerry Garcia and David Grisman.

Having studied art at the California Academy of Art , he made a second career around the uses of his art on ties.

In 1987, ice cream manufacturers Ben and Jerry named one of their flavors Cherry Garcia after this musician.

Jerry Garcia died on August 9, 1995 of heart trouble. Garcia, who struggled with drug addiction for much of his adult life, was staying at a drug rehabilitation center at the time. On his passing, he was honored by the president as being an American icon. Memorial services were held in Golden Gate Park on August 13, 1995. Thousands of fans were present, many singing and playing in drum circles, as well as band members, family and friends.

External links

• http://www.thejerrysite.com/
• http://www.deadlists.com/
• http://jerrygarcia.com/
• http://www.dead.net/
• http://www.setlists.net/
• http://arts.ucsc.edu/gdead/agdl/
• Some of Jerry's Artwork http://www.jerrygarcia.com/art/artBT.html
• Jerry interview audio http://radio.weblogs.com/0107946/2004/05/17.html#a1723
• IMDb on "Grateful Dawg"