The Grateful Dead is one of the most recognizable and influential bands in American music history, known for their unique blend of rock, folk, blues, and psychedelic sounds. The band was formed in 1965 and went on to create music for over 30 years, with millions of fans around the world. Many of their songs have become classics, such as “Truckin'”, “Casey Jones”, and “Sugar Magnolia”. However, there is one song that may not be as well-known, but still holds a special place in the hearts of Deadheads – “Reuben and Cherise”.
The History of “Reuben and Cherise”
“Reuben and Cherise” is a song that originally appeared on the 1978 album “Cats Under the Stars” by the Jerry Garcia Band. The song was written by Robert Hunter, a long-time collaborator and lyricist for the Grateful Dead. The song tells the story of a man named Reuben who falls in love with a woman named Cherise, but their love is unrequited. The song has a wistful, melancholy quality that is typical of Hunter’s lyrics, and it quickly became a favorite among fans of the Jerry Garcia Band.
Even though “Reuben and Cherise” became a staple of the Jerry Garcia Band’s live shows, the song was never played by the Grateful Dead until years later. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Grateful Dead began performing “Reuben and Cherise” in concert. The song made its debut on March 21, 1991, at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. The performance was met with enthusiasm from the crowd, and it quickly became a regular part of the Grateful Dead’s setlist.
Over the years, “Reuben and Cherise” was played by the Grateful Dead a total of four times. Each performance was unique and different, as the band was known for improvisation and experimentation. The song was never included on any of the Grateful Dead’s studio albums, and the only recordings that exist are from live concerts.
The Legacy of “Reuben and Cherise”
Despite its limited performances by the Grateful Dead, “Reuben and Cherise” has remained a beloved song among Deadheads. The song has been covered by many other musicians over the years, including David Bromberg, Jeff Mattson, and John Kadlecik. The song has also been included on several tribute albums to Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.
One reason why “Reuben and Cherise” has endured is the beauty and depth of the lyrics. Robert Hunter was a master lyricist who had a gift for writing songs that told vivid and emotional stories. “Reuben and Cherise” is no exception, as it captures the longing and heartbreak of unrequited love. The song is also notable for its use of imagery and metaphor, which creates a dreamy and otherworldly atmosphere.
Another reason why “Reuben and Cherise” is so beloved is the way that the Grateful Dead and the Jerry Garcia Band performed it in concert. Each performance was unique, with different improvisations, solos, and arrangements. The song allowed the band to experiment and explore new territory, which was a hallmark of their live shows. Fans who attended multiple concerts were always excited to hear “Reuben and Cherise” because they never knew what to expect.
Conclusion
Although the Grateful Dead only performed “Reuben and Cherise” four times in concert, the song has become a beloved classic among Deadheads. The song’s enchanting and poetic lyrics, combined with the band’s improvisational spirit, have made it a timeless favorite. “Reuben and Cherise” is a testament to the genius of Robert Hunter and the Grateful Dead, and it will continue to be cherished by fans for generations to come.
FAQ
Did the band ever play with the Grateful Dead?
Yes, The Band and The Grateful Dead, two legendary bands in the history of American music, played together on one occasion. The concert took place on June 21, 1984, at the Columbia University’s Sport’s Arena in New York City. The show was part of the “Summer Solstice Jam” festival, which also featured other great musicians like Stephen Stills, Rick Danko, and Carlos Santana.
During the performance, The Band and The Dead played some of their most iconic songs, such as “Evangeline,” “The Weight,” “Friend of the Devil,” and “Not Fade Away.” The two bands merged, and they played a couple of covers, including “Oh, Boy!” and “Forever Young,” which were both crowd-pleasers.
The Band, composed of Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Richard Manuel, Rick Danko, and Garth Hudson, was well known for their unique brand of rock music, which incorporated elements of folk, blues, and country music. The Grateful Dead, on the other hand, was known for their improvisational and psychedelic approach to rock and roll.
Although the two bands had different sounds, they shared a deep appreciation for American roots music. Both The Band and The Dead were heavily influenced by traditional folk, bluegrass, and blues music, which they incorporated into their performances.
The Band and The Grateful Dead only played together once, but the concert was an unforgettable moment in the history of American music. Their performances showcased the unique talents of two of the most influential bands of their time and served as a testament to the camaraderie and respect that exists between musicians.
Who did most of the singing in the Grateful Dead?
The Grateful Dead was a rock band formed in 1965 in California. The band featured a diverse group of talented musicians who all contributed to the band’s sound, including Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart. The band’s music drew from a range of influences, including folk, blues, country, and jazz, and often featured extended improvisational jams that could stretch out for minutes or even hours.
When it comes to the question of who did most of the singing in the Grateful Dead, the answer is somewhat complex. While the band did have a lead singer in the form of Jerry Garcia, the other members of the band were also responsible for contributing vocals on many of the band’s songs.
Jerry Garcia is often thought of as the lead singer of the Grateful Dead, and for good reason. He had a distinctive voice that was instantly recognizable, and he was the most visible member of the band, serving as the band’s frontman and lead guitarist. Many of the band’s most famous songs feature Garcia’s vocals, including ‘St. Stephen’, ‘Friend of the Devil’, ‘Casey Jones’, and ‘Althea’. However, even on these tracks, other members of the band often contribute backing vocals or harmonies.
Bob Weir also played a significant role in the band’s vocal arrangements. Weir had a unique singing style that was often compared to that of Bob Dylan, and he contributed lead vocals to many of the band’s songs, including ‘Sugar Magnolia’, ‘Truckin”, and ‘Playing in the Band’. Weir was also responsible for some of the band’s most memorable harmonies, blending his voice with Garcia’s and other members of the band to create a distinctive sound that was all their own.
Phil Lesh and Bill Kreutzmann also contributed vocals to the band’s music, with Lesh often taking lead on songs like ‘Box of Rain’ and ‘New Potato Caboose’, and Kreutzmann adding his distinctive voice to tracks like ‘Deal’ and ‘Franklin’s Tower’. Even Mickey Hart, who was primarily the band’s drummer and percussionist, contributed vocals to songs like ‘Fire on the Mountain’ and ‘The Other One’.
In the end, the answer to who did most of the singing in the Grateful Dead is somewhat subjective. While Jerry Garcia is often thought of as the band’s lead singer, the reality is that all of the members of the band contributed vocals to their music in various ways. It was this collaborative spirit that helped make the Grateful Dead such a unique and beloved band, and their music continues to resonate with fans around the world to this day.
What song did the Grateful Dead play the most live?
The Grateful Dead, a legendary rock band from the United States, played thousands of concerts throughout their career. They were known for their improvisational style, incorporating elements of rock, folk, blues, and more into their music. With such a vast repertoire of songs, it’s natural to wonder which one they played the most live.
According to various sources, including the Grateful Dead’s official website and setlist.com, the song that the band played the most live is “Sugar Magnolia” written by Robert Hunter and composed by Jerry Garcia. The song first appeared on the album “American Beauty” released in 1970. It’s a catchy tune with an upbeat rhythm, featuring lyrics about a woman named Magnolia who the narrator loves and admires.
The Grateful Dead played “Sugar Magnolia” during nearly 600 concerts. They performed it for the first time on March 24, 1970, in Port Chester, New York, and continued to play it until their final show on July 9, 1995, in Chicago, Illinois. The band often used the song as an encore, which was a tradition for them to end their concerts.
However, it’s worth noting that different sources have different opinions about which song the band played the most. Setlist.com argues that “Playing in the Band,” written by Bob Weir, was the most-played song, with a total of 676 performances. “Me and My Uncle” by John Phillips was also played 629 times.
Regardless of which song was played the most, the Grateful Dead’s longevity and cultural impact are undeniable. They continue to inspire countless musicians and fans around the world, and their music remains as relevant today as it was during their heyday.
Did Grateful Dead always have two drummers?
The Grateful Dead, one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time, were known for their unique sound that blended rock, folk, country, and psychedelic music. One aspect of their sound that set them apart from other bands was their use of two drummers.
Initially, the Grateful Dead had only one drummer, Bill Kreutzmann. However, in 1967, they added a second drummer, Mickey Hart, to the lineup. This decision was groundbreaking at the time, as no other rock band had used two drummers before.
The addition of Mickey Hart allowed the Grateful Dead to create a more complex and layered rhythm section, with Hart and Kreutzmann playing off each other and improvising throughout their live performances. This approach helped to define the Grateful Dead’s sound and made them stand out from other bands of the era.
Over the years, the Grateful Dead continued to use two drummers, with a few changes to the lineup. Mickey Hart left the band in 1971 but returned in 1974, while another drummer, Bill Walton, joined briefly in 1974. In the later years of the band, other drummers, including Mickey’s son, Zakir Hussain, and drummer/percussionist Wally Ingram, also played with the Grateful Dead and its various offshoots.
The Grateful Dead’s use of two drummers was a key element of their sound and helped to shape the course of rock music history. The unique interplay between Kreutzmann and Hart, and later other drummers, created a rhythm section that was dynamic, improvisational, and influential. While other bands have since used two drummers, none have quite captured the magic and innovation of the Grateful Dead.
How long did the band play with Bob Dylan?
The Band played with Bob Dylan from 1965 to 1967. This period is often referred to as the “Electric Dylan Controversy”, as Dylan was moving towards using an electric sound for his music, which was a departure from his previous acoustic folk music. The Band, who were originally known as The Hawks, were hired by Dylan to back him on his upcoming tour.
Their first public appearance together was on July 25, 1965, at the Newport Folk Festival, where Dylan’s new electric sound was met with mixed reviews and even booed by some of the audience. Despite this initial negative reaction, Dylan and The Band continued to tour and record together, releasing several iconic albums such as “Highway 61 Revisited” and “Blonde on Blonde”.
During their collaboration, The Band honed their own skills as musicians and songwriters, and developed a unique sound that blended rock, country, and blues influences. Dylan was also known for respecting their contributions, and often sought their input when it came to arranging and recording his songs.
Their collaboration ended in 1967, when Dylan was involved in a motorcycle accident and went into seclusion for several years. However, both Dylan and The Band continued to have successful careers, and their collaborative work remains a highly influential and celebrated chapter in the history of rock and roll music.