Jerry Garcia was a singer-songwriter and guitarist from the United States. He is best known as a principal songwriter, lead guitarist, and vocalist for the rock band “Grateful Dead.” Jerome was a founding member of the group, which rose to prominence during the 1960s counterculture. Many saw him as the group’s leader or “spokesman.” The band had won the hearts of music fans worldwide, not just in America.
Quick Facts
Real Name | Jerome Gracia |
Nick Name | Jerry |
Gender | Male |
Famous As | Singer |
Age | 52 years old |
Birthday | August 1, 1942 |
Birthplace | San Francisco, California |
Birth Sign | Leo |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Spanish, Irish, Swedish |
Religion | Christianity |
Height | 5ft 9 inches |
Weight | 300 lbs |
Body Measurements | N/A |
Biceps Size | N/A |
Eye Color | Black |
Hair Color | Black |
Shoe Size | 7 (US) |
Girlfriend | N/A |
Spouse | Debora Khoons, Carolyn Garcia, Manasha Matheson |
Net Worth | $15 million |
Favorite Foods | American Hotdog |
Brands | N/A |
Hobbies | Songwriting, Singing |
Jerry Gracia Biography
Jerry was born in San Francisco, California, on August 1, 1942. He was the son of Ramon “Joe” Garcia and Ruth Marie Bobbie Garcia. In addition, he had one older brother. He died on August 9, 1995, at the age of 52 in Forest Knolls, California, in the United States.
Jerry Gracia Childhood
Jerry has always loved music and was encouraged to pursue his passion by his music-loving parents. In 1947, his father drowned while on a fishing trip, bringing tragedy to his family. Jerry and his brother were placed in the care of their grandparents. Regarding his educational background, he began at Monroe Elementary School, where he discovered his artistic abilities.
As he grew older, he became interested in rock and roll and rhythm and blues, influenced by artists such as Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Hank Ballard, and Chuck Berry. He also attended several schools as a student, including Menlo Oaks School, Balboa High School, and Analy High School. As a teenager, he was notorious for skipping classes and fights with other students. Jerry was involved in a severe car accident in 1961 in which one of his friends died, which served as a wake-up call for him and inspired him to rebuild his life.
How Much Is Jerry Gracia Worth?
Jerry Gracia lived a very lavishing lifestyle. He earned a lot through his music career. He sadly passed away with a net worth of $15 million.
Career
Jerry Garcia decided to take his life seriously and began playing the guitar. He later became acquainted with some other aspiring musicians and decided to form his band at that time. In 1965, he created the rock band “The Grateful Dead” with Bob Weir, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzman in Palo Alto, California.
The band drew from various musical influences and extensively used improvisation. It is also regarded as one of the ancestors of jam band music. The band’s first two albums, “The Grateful Dead” in 1967 and “Anthem of the Sun” in 1968, was only moderately successful. However, their third album, “Aoxomoxoa,” released in 1969, established them as a famous rock band. The band used to tour and perform live concerts.
Because of its eclectic and unique music, the band grew in popularity throughout the 1970s. In addition to his work with “The Grateful Dead,” he began pursuing side projects, releasing his solo albums “Garcia” in 1972, “Compliments” in 1974, and “Reflections” in 1976. In the mid-1970s, he formed another band called The Jerry Garcia Band. It was one of his most significant side projects, featuring bassist John Kahn and keyboardist Melvin Seal.
The 1980s were a difficult time for him because he had become addicted to drugs, and his health had deteriorated significantly. This hurt his musical career as well. During this decade, he was not particularly productive. In the 1980s, he reunited with bluegrass/newgrass mandolinist and composer David Grisman to release the albums “Garcia/Grisman” in 1991 and “Not for Kids Only” in 1993. This band, too, played rock music infused with blues, folk, country, and jazz elements. He was ranked 13th in Rolling Stone’s cover story “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”