30 Jul
Jerry Garcia Died
by Mitch, Phila, PA
I was working at my hardware store listening to KYW when I heard the news that Jerry Garcia had died. Tuning to WXPN was automatic.
The day of the terrible news, Joan Baez was David Dye’s guest on the World Cafe. In those days the Cafe was live. Joan Baez sung the most gut wrenching, emotional version of “Amazing Grace” ever. It brought to the surface all the memories of a man I loved like a close friend.
To this day I get a little moist at the memory.
I was listening too. I got WXPN on the radio in my office (like today, though there’s also the web now) and I remember when they made the announcement, and then brought Joan Baez out live. (I thought she was taping with David, but came on live to perform because of the announcement. Maybe David or someone at XPN can confirm.) And it was a touching moment.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:23 pmIt was a sad, strange day. I bolted out of a deep sleep around 7 AM, unnerved by a disturbance in the force. At that same time, my husband drove to his park and ride, but somehow became distracted, forgot where he was going and why and circled the Moorestown mall a few times before he gave up and came home. Later we found out that Jerry had passed about 4 AM Pacific time - 7 AM EDT.
August 3rd, 2007 at 4:34 pmWe immediately turned on XPN and lsitened to Joan Baez with sorrow and tears. We had promised our son (before we knew about Jerry) that we would take him to see Apollo 13. In a weird way, on a tragic day, the movie fit.
But I still get misty whenever I hear Joan Baez sing Amazing Grace or when I watch Apollo 13. I thank XPN for being there at a crucial moment when the only salve for my sad heart was music.
Caught Hunter at Cellar Door in DC around ‘76, Dead came to watch as they were in town playing at Cap Cetre night before and after. Strange being part of audience with Garcia and others, instead of just watching and listening to band. After Hunter’s solo gig, Dead got in a limo to leave and my girlfriend ran up and asked Bobby for a kiss. Garcia was grinning through his then black beard- I thought she was going to jump in the limo and leave with them.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:24 pmI submitted this as my most important musical moment. I took my then 12 yrear old daughter to her first Dead show on Nov. 10 1984 at Madison Square Garden. It turned out to be the last show that Jerry played there. I am so glad after over 200 shows that I saw Jerry one last time and the best part was that daughter was with me.
October 17th, 2007 at 4:23 pmAug. 9, 1995, Waking up to the phone ringing off the hook everyone calling me to tell about Jerry. I remember this sinking feeling coming over me much like the day Brent passed away. It was a moment of realization that an era had ended. A legend was gone.
October 19th, 2007 at 10:07 amAt the time I was playing in a local band Splintered Sunlight, which was scheduled to play that evening. As I listened tearfully to Joan Baez belt out Amazing Grace, I was in turmoil of whethter to perform that night or not. I was distraught over the news. Many phone calls later from band supporters I realized we had to play, to pay tribute and unite the fans. As I arrived at the club I remember looking at the sky and seeing the most beautiful array of pink clouds with such peacefullness. I knew Jerry was smiling down. Many years later……I still remember that day like it was yesterday and still long to hear that unique style of Jerrys guitar playing. You will be missed Jerry!