Every year since 1996, Deadheads have commemorated the first nine days of August as the Days Between. The title of the last of the 61 songs he wrote with Robert Hunter, it signifies the 53-year gap between Jerry Garcia’s birth on the 1st of August 1942 and his death on the 9th of August 1995. This year, Jerry would have been 70 years old.
There were days, and there were days
And there were days I know
When all we ever wanted
Was to learn and love and grow
Once we grew into our shoes
We told them where to go
Walked halfway around the world
On promise of the glow
Stood upon a mountain top
Walked barefoot in the snow
Gave the best we had to give
How much we’ll never know
We’ll never know
Dead.net has some words, music and pictures, as you’d expect. Maybe you have a song you’d like to post – or request be added to this playlist*, starting with one of my favourites, Black Peter. Jerry loved a sad song, and this one doesn’t end happily, but there’s still joy in his playing and heart in his voice. From New Year’s Eve, 1972.
*for more information, see next page.
Tracks added to Black Peter:
2. Friend Of The Devil, as requested by tfd. A slower version, from May 1977, with Donna enhancing the effect.
3. Black Muddy River. The last song Jerry sang on stage with the Dead, on 9th July, 1995. At one point, he actually seems to sing ‘last muddy river’. Blub.
4. Señor (Tales of Yankee Power). Jerry also loved Dylan’s songs. Here he is with his own band in 1990.
5. Scarlet Begonias/Fire On The Mountain, from May 8th, 1977 as requested by amy.
6. Uncle John’s Band. Another amy choice. This version is from November, 1973.
7. Viola Lee Blues. Some great acid mayhem from April, 1969. Garcia takes Clapton’s standard three-note blues riff for a trip to places EC never knew existed.
8. Milestones. A ‘suitably weird’ acoustic take on the Miles Davis tune from February 1992, with David Grisman on mandolin.
9. Stella Blue. One of Robert and Jerry’s most beautiful songs. This is from the end of an Other One sequence played in June 1974. The excellent lyrics kick off with these poignantly appropriate lines:
All the years combine
They melt into a dream
A broken angel sings
From a guitar
Finally, at gf’s suggestion, here’s Jerry at home on stage, playing and singing to his friends in September 1980.
I am so glad that you posted this, Chris (knew you would!).
I am going to enjoy listening to this. Of the songs I know, Black Peter is my favourite too.
Thank you.
Friend Of The Devil please, Chris!
And happy birthday, Jerry.
Scarlet Begonias – Cornell 5 /08/ 77 (That’s in American dates.)
The UJB of your choice.
Happy Birthday Jerry. (So is it Jerry that you share a birthday with?)
I hope you approve of the UJB, amy. (No, I share a birthday with someone who would have been 70 this coming November.)
Missed Bert Jansch by a year…
Lovely guitarwork on the UJB. Thanks!
Hendrix!! Awesome!
That’s the one. 10 years to the day.
I’m in October. Unfortunately the best i can do is Johnny Ramone beating me by 12 years to the day. (another 3+ to go till i reach the age that he died though.)
Chris – I had a post eaten – check your net, it’s probably caught in there. If not, let me know and i’ll repost.
nevermind, that’s me above.
Lovely, Chris – thanks.
I think Ripple would be a nice addition.
You’re right, of course, T.
My great-nephew was Christened last Sunday and I could think of nothing better to write in his card than these lines:
There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone
Chris: Don’t know if you know about Burning Spear’s tribute to Jerry, it’s Play Jerry on his Appointment with his Majesty album. Here’s the last verse:
So the fans should remember, remember Jerry
and his music
So the fans should remember, remember Jerry
and his music
These fans are Diehearted fans
These fans are Deadhead fans
These fans are Diehearted fans
These fans are Deadhead fans
Greatful Dead Jamming
Greatful Dead Jamming
Play Jerry play, Play your guitar
Play Jerry play, Play your guitar
No, I wasn’t aware, but thanks. I’m sure those words sound better than they read!
I’ve only come across Burning Spear’s version of Estimated Prophet, which he turns into a proper reggae tune by adding in the eigth beat.
Looking forward to listening to this over the coming days. Thanks, Chris.