The Grateful Dead by Jim Marshall: Photos and Stories from the Formative Years, 1966–1977 is a deluxe hardcover book, packed with hundreds of color and black‐and‐white photos, many of which have never been seen before. Dead fans can immerse themselves in the band’s early years, from their humble beginnings to their rise to global stardom.
The book represents the unbeatable pairing of an iconic band with the ultimate rock-and-roll photographer. Jim Marshall took over 10,000 pictures of the Grateful Dead over the course of his career—from electrifying photos of the Dead performing for masses of fans to intimate moments of band members rehearsing and creating together to casual domestic scenes. With an instinctive eye and uncanny timing, Marshall captured the Dead’s improvisational style, and he was welcomed into their family as a peer, colleague, and friend. He was there with the Grateful Dead at Woodstock, the Newport Pop Festival, the last free concert on Haight Street, the Human Be‐In, and many more performances. Featuring over 200 images—a third of which have never been published anywhere and printed in the rich, high‐contrast tones that Marshall favored, this lavish edition is a celebration of a cultural phenomenon.
Sixty years after they first got together, the Grateful Dead are as big as ever. In December 2024 they received a Kennedy Center Honor for their role in developing American culture and pushing creative boundaries, and in January 2025 the Grateful Dead were feted as MusiCares Persons of the Year in recognition of their contributions to music and philanthropic work, and to their role in fostering communities. Original members of the Grateful Dead continue to perform for enthusiastic fans with the band Dead & Company at Sphere Las Vegas every year.
Five experts on music, photography, and the Dead have contributed to the book, which was co‐curated by David Gans—musician, music journalist, and host of The Grateful Dead Hour syndicated radio show—and includes an afterword by guitarist John Mayer, who has been a member of Dead & Company since its founding in 2015. Throughout the book are quotes and commentary from other photographers and musicians and from members of the extended Grateful Dead family.
Photographs by Jim Marshall, curated by Amelia Davis and David Gans, afterword by John Mayer
Chronicle Books August 2025
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