Question about Grateful Dead.

[The Second Stone]

5. Any of them who sing are not strong singers. And I'm a big admirer of the music

Phil Lesh has never had long breaths, so his vocals can't really draw out a note. He is, however, close to being on key. Bob Weir is not off key, but more of what I would describe (as a non musician) as being a tinsy bit flat, and without depth. Jerry Garcia had a beautiful, rich and varied voice, but could be off key. Donna Jean Godchaux was horribly off key much of the time. Ron "Pigpen" McKernan (first keyboardist) was a fantastic blues singer, but drank himself to death. I didn't really care for the singing of the other keyboardists, although I cannot speak to Tom Constanten as I could not tell him apart (I'm only going to pick on the dead ones) and Bruce Hornsby is a very good singer.

I could not stand the singing of Brent Mydland or Vince Welnick (both deceased keyboardists). Keith Godchaux may have been terrible too, but his wife was much, much worse making the rest sound like angels by comparison. (Sorry Donna. You had some wonderful moments, but geez, why did they let you do this? )

I can't speak to Mickey Hart of Phil Kreutzman's singing. Their dual drummers.

If it's a male voice and off-key, it's probably Jerry or one of the deceased keyboardists. Jerry singing off key usually worked for the material. At least for me. Generally speaking, Jerry's singing for me was like Duane Allman's sour guitar. An acquired taste. Give a listen to Brokedown Palace sometime and tell me that is not wonderful as is, and pure vocals would only screw it up.

A good Jerry vocal really makes a Grateful Dead show. I saw him live only once in 93 and he was good, but not great. I've got most of their live albums (over 100) and some are really great music.

Go to their website and try to buy Dick's Picks volumes one through four. These are the very best hidden gems in my opinion.