Goin' Down The Road: A Grateful Dead Traveling Companion

by Blair Jackson

The ultimate Dead traveling companion from the editors of the ultimate Dead fan. magazine, The Golden Road.

No Grateful Dead fan will be able to resist Goin' Down the Road. Here is the history of the band, as revealed in interviews with Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Robert Hunter, among others; memories of the band's early days; a tribute to beat hero Neal Cassady, a defining influence on the band; background on the traditional and blues songs the Dead cover in their shows; and descriptions of their most memorable concerts -- an invaluable catalog of concert tapes.

While countless other bands have enjoyed moments of glory only to fall into pop cultural obscurity, the Grateful Dead have kept on trucking for more than twenty-five years. Renowned for the intensity of their interest, Grateful Dead fans will find what they're looking for in this a fresh perspective, with much new material, on the object of their devoted attention.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

322 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 1992

About the author

Blair Jackson is a music journalist and author best known for Garcia: An American Life and Grateful Dead: The Music Never Stopped. He edited 27 issues of The Golden Road fanzine and has contributed to Mix and Electronic Musician. His books include Classic Tracks, exploring iconic rock and soul recordings. A passionate reader of history and music biographies, he shares his insights on Dead.net. He lives in California and is the father of two children.

Reviews

[Zachary Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Feels like you really get to know the members of the band personally!

[David Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goin' Down The Road: A Grateful Dead Traveling Companion by Blair Jackson (Three Rivers Press 1992)(780.92). This book was published in 1992; Jerry Garcia had three years to live, and the Grateful Dead were at the height of their power and popularity. Blair Jackson has written several books about the Dead. He provides plenty of new information and anecdotes that is sure to satisfy the discerning Deadhead. My rating: 7/10, finished 1997.

[Scott W. Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several great articles and interviews made this a compelling read!

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just one of the most enjoyable reads about the Grateful Dead that anyone has done. Not so much biographical as it is strictly about the music.