A Grateful Dead Fan's Journey: Discovering Favorite Covers by Other Musicians
For countless fans, the Grateful Deads live performances and their vast repertoire of covers have left an indelible mark in music history. Garcia, a true music lover and virtuoso, drew inspiration from a myriad of genres and artists. From folk songs and Broadway tunes to rock classics, the Grateful Dead reimagined these pieces into what many musicians and listeners alike consider the quintessential renditions. This article delves into some of our favorite covers by the Grateful Dead and the unique feel they brought to these timeless classics.
Highlights from the Grateful Dead's Covers
The Grateful Dead, known for their eclectic music and improvisational style, brought a fresh perspective to many cover songs. They were not just serious about their craft; they were passionate and often infused a new energy into the music they performed. This section will explore some of their most beloved covers and the specific way they encapsulated the spirit of the original songs.
Folk Songs Visionary Performances: Morning Dew and Sing Me Back Home
Morning Dew is a remarkable song originally sung in a shared, visionary experience, postulating the end of the world. Through the Grateful Dead's rendition, the emphasis is on creating a world where all present choose to love and share with one another, ultimately saving the world. This song is a testament to Garcia’s deep love for music and humanity. It also reflects the Grateful Dead's unique approach to transforming the original song into a compelling narrative.
Sing Me Back Home, a true story written by Merle Haggard, originally describes the farewell of prisoners at San Quentin Prison. The Grateful Dead's version brings added depth, with Jerry Garcia’s intense vocals and sensitive guitar playing, making it an emotional and immersive experience.
A Folk Staple Made Rock: Fennario and Fairport Convention's Not Fade Away
Fennario, a folk song made popular by Joan Baez, is another gem. When the Grateful Dead performed it, it showcased Garcia's powerful vocals and the band's ability to transcend traditional interpretations. Meanwhile, the fusion of Not Fade Away by Buddy Holly with the traditional folk song Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad resulted in a high-energy blend that was almost impossible not to dance to. The Chicago blues influence in these songs is evident, and the Grateful Dead transformed them into what is now considered a rocking melange.
Live Country Hits: Three Standout Covers
As a die-hard fan, I must mention three specific live country covers by the Grateful Dead that continue to awe me. 'Mama Tried' by Merle Haggard, 'The Race is On' by George Jones, and the sublime 'Me and Bobby McGee' by Kris Kristofferson. These songs, when performed by the Dead, have a raw and emotive quality that is impossible to ignore.
The Provocative Journey to Love the Grateful Dead
It wasn't until I started dating my now-husband that I truly began to appreciate the Grateful Dead. He introduced me to the band through their extensive catalog of cover songs, and while I initially found them "ok," it wasn't until he started re-learning the guitar that my perception shifted. His cover renditions opened my eyes to a whole new dimension of what these songs could be.
The turning point came one day, where we were at a sandwich shop for dinner. A Denver-based cover band, Built to Last, was setting up to perform. My husband was on a Terrapin Station kick, and we continued to listen to it even after the band began playing. The cover of Terrapin Station was so good that we decided to move inside and stay for the rest of the show. After that initial experience, I became a true fan and began attending performances by local cover bands such as Tumbledown Shack, Seeing Stars Band, Gratefully Acoustic, RavinWolf, Cosmic Charlies, Lazy Summer Home, Peak2Peak, Dead Phish, Dead Floyd, and Uncle John's Band. Each of these bands offers a unique and thrilling experience, and my love for the Grateful Dead grew exponentially.
Conclusion
The Grateful Dead's love for cover songs and their ability to reimagine them captivated audiences for decades. Whether through visionary folk songs like Morning Dew and Sing Me Back Home, or by infusing traditional folk tunes with rock energy, the Grateful Dead leaves an unforgettable impression. Their performances are more than just music; they are experiences that bring people together in a shared moment of joy and discovery.