The Grateful Dead has been recognized as a 2024 Kennedy Center honoree, marking a milestone in the iconic rock band’s legacy. Drummer Mickey Hart expressed that the honor is not just for the band members but for their devoted fans.
“We kept us going,” said Bobby Weir, referencing the support from “Deadheads” who recorded and shared the band’s concerts without permission. This decision proved to be a smart move, as it led to the spread of their music globally through homemade recordings.
The Grateful Dead formed in the mid-1960s in the San Francisco Bay area. Guitarist Jerry Garcia first caught Weir’s attention with his banjo playing outside a music shop. The band’s original lineup included Lesh on bass and Kreutzmann on drums, later joined by Hart in 1967.
Throughout their three-decade career, the Grateful Dead scored just one Top 40 hit with “Touch of Grey” but built a loyal following of “Deadheads.” These fans not only recorded their concerts but also contributed to the band’s legacy.
When Jerry Garcia passed away in 1995, the band broke up after 30 years together. Weir recently shared a dream where Garcia visits him, solidifying his understanding that songs are living things that come and go through them.
“We’ve had people say we’d never make it,” said Bill Kreutzmann recalling fans’ doubts about the band’s success. Despite this, they built an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/grateful-dead-kennedy-center-honores-2024