Jerry
Garcia was the lead guitarist for
the influential '60s rock band the Grateful Dead. Jerry was always the
band's
inspiration, its original founder and composer of most of their songs.
On the
side he participated in solo ventures, most notably the Jerry Garcia
Band. However,
his biggest impact on fans lay outside of his musical expertise, but in
his
whole demeanor. Big J, as his friends and fans called him, would often
take requests for songs, chill after shows to meet fans, or
partake in
non-profit activities. He is often quoted as saying, “be happy or die.”
His
death in 1995 shocked the world, was the front headline of every major
newspaper, and merited a presidential address. His memorial service was
attended by over ten million people. His memory lives on through his
music and
his fans (and this website).