“Preserving Memories: The Importance of Honoring and Remembering Those We’ve Lost”

DATE (Oct. ): The passing of Phil Lesh, the bassist for the Grateful Dead, on Friday (Oct. ), merely two days following the announcement of the band as the MusiCares Persons of the Year, has come as a profound shock. Although the band will be recognized at the MusiCares gala scheduled for January , the honor will now extend to two of its founding members, as opposed to just one (the late Jerry Garcia).

On Friday, Laura Segura, the executive director of MusiCares, released the following statement: “MusiCares grieves the departure of Phil Lesh.

Phil will be solemnly recognized alongside his Grateful Dead bandmates as the Persons of the Year, celebrating a shared journey that surpasses mere musical contributions and cultivates an enduring spirit of unity and generosity. This honor serves as a tribute to Phil’s extraordinary legacy, his commitment to nurturing community ties, and his steadfast dedication to philanthropic endeavors that he passionately supports, notably the Unbroken Chain Foundation and MusiCares.

“Phil’s absence will be profoundly felt, and our heartfelt condolences extend to his family and the Grateful Dead community.”

PREVIOUSLY (Oct. ): It has indeed been a long, unusual journey.

A musical ensemble that has never received a Grammy nomination and yet evolved into one of the most iconic live performers in history, despite achieving only one entry in the top of the Billboard Hot , will be recognized as the MusiCares Persons of the Year for . The th annual benefit gala honoring these individuals is scheduled to take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, January , , just two nights prior to the th annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena.

Grateful Dead becomes the third musical group to be bestowed with this distinction, following Fleetwood Mac’s recognition in and Aerosmith’s in .

In celebration of the band’s th anniversary in , the original members—Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir—will be honored for their significant contributions to the musical landscape, their charitable initiatives, and their instrumental role in building communities through their performances and advocacy work. Additionally, the event will feature posthumous acknowledgments of Jerry Garcia, a founding member of the band, who passed away in at the age of .

Hart, Kreutzmann, Lesh, and Weir have collectively issued an extensive statement regarding this recognition. The complete statement is as follows:

“It is quite straightforward: music is essential for all of us. It resonates with each individual, providing the necessary support to confront life’s challenges.

Presents serve to amplify our happiness, facilitate the sharing of our joy, and alleviate our grief. A world devoid of this phenomenon is difficult to fathom. As our dear colleague Jerry would often remark, One receives some, and in return, one gives some back, which serves as an exceptionally effective method for distributing these virtues.

Though we cannot definitively assert that the Muse—the underlying inspiration for our endeavors—endeavors to establish a supportive framework for the performance, over six decades immersed in music has enlightened us to the fact that a multitude of committed individuals is necessary to actualize every aspect. Each individual working behind the scenes has meticulously refined their ss to address the myriad challenges.

of the performance. Their contributions are vital; without them, the artistic vision of the Muse would not be realized, and each individual plays a crucial role, investing their passion and dedication into the endeavor.

We would also like to acknowledge the steadfast community of Dead Heads for their persistent support throughout the years—your presence has been instrumental to our journey.

It is with profound gratitude that we accept the title of MusiCares Persons of the Year. This distinction serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of our music, which transcends our individual identities—it embodies the connection among ourselves, the crew, and all those who have participated in this long, extraordinary journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the wisdom shared by dear colleague Jerry encapsulates the essence of collaboration in our artistic journeys. His notion that one receives some, and in return, one gives some back emphasizes the reciprocal nature of our relationships within this dynamic sphere. As we reflect on our collective experiences over these six decades in music, it’s clear that the Muse thrives not in isolation but through a robust network of passionate individuals, each playing a vital role behind the scenes. Together, we navigate challenges, share insights, and uplift one another, ultimately creating a harmonious environment that fosters creativity and innovation. Let us continue to honor this spirit of mutual support and celebrate the myriad contributions that make our musical endeavors possible.