Summer of Love: The Grateful Dead

As this series draws to a close later this month, we would be remiss not to mention a band that not only exemplified the cultural phenomenon out of which it rose, but broke new ground in other ways as well.

The Grateful Dead made their name in the heart of San Francisco's Haight-Asbury district, the alleged focal point for that whole "peace, love, dope" thing. Theirs was a response, albeit as misguided as the rest of their compatriots, to a nation that had prospered by unbridled capitalism and cultural Calvinism. The band was formed in 1965, and emerged on the "new rock" scene with an unprecedented eclecticism of folk, bluegrass, blues, country, jazz, psychedelic, gospel -- accented by the ground-breaking (and sometimes tiresome when done by others) "long jam." They raised the meaning of a "cult following" to a whole new level, their devotees becoming known as "Deadheads." This set the standards for other cult followings. (Fans of the Toronto-based Moxy Fruvous were known as "Fruheads," while followers of Virginia-based Eddie from Ohio are known as "Edheads," supporters of Senator Fred Thompson's bid for the Presidency have become known as... you get the idea.)

Jerry Garcia, guitarist-singer of the band, was thought to be the leader by most, a distinction he would deny. But it was clear that he was the folal point of the band. He died in August 1995, most likely the result in part of years of chemical abuse. It was then that "The Dead" disbanded. They left behind a fan base who would bring their children, and even their grandchildren, to concerts.

Such is one way to ensure a legacy.