Jerry Garcia (1942–1995) was an iconic American musician, best known as the lead guitarist, vocalist, and co-founder of the legendary rock band Grateful Dead, which rose to prominence during the 1960s counterculture movement. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Garcia performed with the Grateful Dead for their entire 30-year career from 1965 to 1995.
Renowned for his distinctive improvisational guitar playing, he was consistently ranked among the greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone, emphasizing spontaneity over rigid structure. Beyond the Grateful Dead, Garcia was a prolific artist, leading and contributing to numerous side projects like the Jerry Garcia Band and Old & In the Way, and releasing solo albums. Despite his celebrated musical career, Garcia struggled with severe health issues, including diabetes and long-standing drug addictions, ultimately dying from a heart attack in August 1995 while in a rehabilitation facility.