Jerome John Garcia- aka Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead born 70 years ago today. He was looked at by most as the leader of The Grateful Dead. A great and underrated guitarist. My favorite songs from The Dead are the ones Jerry sang and wrote- Robert Hunter wrote most of the lyrics to Jerry’s music. Jerry Garcia certainly led an eventful and interesting life. When he died at the age of 53 a lot of people were shocked. I was shocked too, that he lived as long as he did.  The only 53 year old that I’ve seen who looked as bad as he did was Jackie Robinson at the end of his life. I look at the later pictures of Jerry and he looks to be late 60’s to me. A great talent. Its too bad he abused his body as he did. He probably lived a dozen lives in his short 53 years though.

I was lucky enough to see The Grateful Dead a few times. Good times.

Below is one of my favorites -Jerry Garcia and David Grisman “Whiskey In The Jar”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob90L7Lh1lY