The Grateful Dead as the ultimate jam band

The last time anyone got to hear Jerry Garcia play live was on July 9, 1995, when the Grateful Dead performed in Chicago. At the time, no one knew it be their last show: Exactly a month later ? fifteen years ago today ? guitarist Jerry Garcia died.

Today we take a look at the cultural impact Garcia and the Dead had (and still have) on music lovers, from the band’s beginning in the ’60s through today.

We want to hear from you. What are your favorite jam band experiences and what are your favorite jam band tracks?

David Shenk joins us ? he is the author of “Skeleton Key: A Dictionary for Deadheads.”

Also with us is Luke Stratton, a 27-year-old guitar player in the band Mondo Gecko, whose music has been greatly influenced by the Dead.