Jerome John “Jerry” Garcia (August 1, 1942 – August 9, 1995) was an American musician, songwriter, and artist perhaps best known for being the lead guitarist and vocalist of the psychedelic rock band the Grateful Dead. Garcia was viewed by the media as the leader or “spokesman” of the group.

Performing with the Grateful Dead for its entire three decade career (which spanned from 1965 to 1995), Garcia participated in a variety of side projects, including the Jerry Garcia Band, Old and in the Way, the Garcia/Grisman acoustic duo, and several solo albums. He also contributed to a number of albums by other artists over the years as a session musician. He was very well known by many for his highly distinctive and original guitar playing and was ranked 13th in the Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time cover story.

Later in life, Garcia was sometimes ill due to his unstable weight. After experiencing a diabetic coma that nearly cost ... read more »