NPR is marking what would have been Jerry Garcia’s 84th birthday with the launch of a multimedia project titled Dead After Death. The series runs from August 1 through August 9 and explores the history and cultural impact of the Grateful Dead through podcasts, digital articles, and archival photography.
Hosts Felix Contreras and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento anchor the coverage, drawing on their backgrounds as longtime fans of the band. The project features conversations with several notable figures who are also part of the Deadhead community, including Andy Cohen, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, and producer Don Was.
Listeners and readers can expect a deep dive into the band’s catalog, including a detailed look at the 1987 track Touch of Grey. The series also grants exclusive access to the Grateful Dead Archive at the University of California, Santa Cruz, offering fans a unique look at the documents and items that defined the band’s legacy.
Content for the series is hosted on a dedicated NPR digital hub, where all multimedia pieces remain accessible throughout the project’s duration. This release aligns with the band’s ongoing cultural footprint, evidenced by events such as Grateful Dead night at Globe Life Field, where the San Francisco Giants face the Texas Rangers on August 3.
Whether you are a lifelong fan or a newcomer curious about the band’s endurance, the series provides a grounded look at how the music formed a lasting connection among listeners.