While most bands tend to pick a genre and build a career around it, the Grateful Dead decided to do away with genres and play music the group liked. Over the years, the band explored jazz, blues, folk, country, rock and roll, and even gospel. Throughout the band’s 30-year career, the Grateful Dead sold millions of albums, accumulated a massive fanbase called “Deadheads”, and even landed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. With the group creating a lasting legacy in the music industry, Lukas Nelson teamed up with Sierra Ferrell to celebrate the band with a performance of “Must Have Been The Roses.”
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No matter the song, genre, or performer, Nelson can sing anything. Over the years, Nelson proved himself to be a top name in country music. But his talents go far beyond just country. When it came to celebrating the Grateful Dead, Nelson appeared at ease when taking the stage with Ferrell. Part of the MusiCares gala, the two performers offered a graceful performance that had fans wanting more.
Looking at the comments, fans wrote, “This is really awesome seeing these two musicians getting together. Words cannot do justice to the great work that Lukas is doing in music, I hope that this performance can open some minds to the music he’s making. Really happy seeing Sierra Ferrell still growing too. Some great talent out there!” Another person added, “Who’s the American treasure Bobby or Sierra? Sierras voice is that of an angel. Been on the bus for 35 years and Sierra blows me away. She’s as real as they come…” Continuing to weigh-in, “One of [Robert Hunter’s] masterpieces off his first album tales of the great rum runners.”
[RELATED: 4 of the Best Lyrics by the Grateful Dead]
The Singer The Grateful Dead Helped Inspire
Outside of the group’s legacy, it seemed that the Grateful Dead did more than inspire and entertain. According to country singer Sturgill Simpson, the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia saved his life. Speaking with Uncut, Simpson recalled trying to recover from a vocal cord injury back in 2021.
Forced off the road, Simpson found himself without motivation. That was until the Grateful Dead wanted him to go to Mexico to perform. While not familiar with the group’s music, Simpson found the songs easy to learn and eventually graced the stage alongside the band.
After returning home, Simpson found himself ready to play once again. “After I got home from those shows, all I could think about was playing guitar for 10 hours a day again. I called my booking agent and said, ‘I wanna go on tour. ’Jerry Garcia, I hate to say it, might have saved my life!”
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
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