Jerry on Jerry: The Unpublished Jerry Garcia Interviews

by Dennis McNally (Editor), Trixie Garcia (Foreword)

These never-before-published interviews with Jerry Garcia reveal his thoughts on religion, politics, his personal life, and his creative process. Jerry on Jerry provides new insight into the beloved frontman of the Grateful Dead in time for the 50th Anniversary of the band.



Released by the Jerry Garcia Family and made available to the public for the first time, these are some of the most candid, intimate interviews with Jerry Garcia ever published. Here, Garcia speaks openly about everything from growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area and his first encounters with early R&B to his thoughts on songwriting, LSD, the Beats and Neal Cassady, government, movies, and more. Illustrated with family photographs, ephemera, and Jerry's artwork, Jerry on Jerry presents uniquely poignant, unguarded, and astute moments, showing a side of Jerry that even his biggest fans have not known.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, History

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Dennis McNally, author, historian, and longtime publicist for the Grateful Dead, was born into the singular world of the postwar military-industrial complex. The son of an Army counterintelligence officer and a determined mother who pursued a college degree even while battling terminal cancer, McNally’s early years were shaped by frequent relocations, both in the U.S. and abroad, and by a growing awareness of American culture and history. After an education that culminated in graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts, he broke with academic convention by choosing his dissertation topic early: the life and work of Jack Kerouac. His resulting biography, Desolate Angel, published in 1979, impressed Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia, who later invited McNally to write the band’s authorized history.
That invitation led to McNally becoming the Dead’s publicist in 1984 and eventually publishing A Long Strange Trip: The Inside History of the Grateful Dead, a definitive chronicle of the band’s cultural impact. His decades-long immersion in the Dead community brought him close to its central figures and events, from backstage encounters to personal friendships, including his marriage to photographer Susana Millman.
After Garcia’s death in 1995 and the eventual disbanding of Grateful Dead Productions in 2004, McNally continued working in the music world, supporting artists and organizations whose work resonated with his values and taste. Today, he remains an active presence in the world of music publicity, especially in the jam band and Americana scenes, while continuing to reflect on the unique intersections of culture, music, and American identity that have defined his life and career.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t think I learned very much that I didn’t already know about Jerry Garcia after reading this, but it was enjoyable.
Dennis McNally is probably THE primary expert on Grateful Dead facts and history, so his knowledge and organization added to this book.

Jerry Garcia was a unique dude - I like his music and his artwork. He was far from perfect and couldn’t be anymore opposite from me, but that’s kind of why I admire him. He was a free spirit which I’m most definitely not.

This book had some nice photos of him, the Grateful Dead and other folks that he was associated with, and also lots of color prints of his artwork inside. I have some Jerry Garcia neck ties (patterns came from his art) that to this day are still my favorites. I’d like to have a photobook of his artwork if that is ever made.

His collaboration with Robert Hunter songwriting was discussed in the book and that jumped out at me as the most interesting part. That creative partnership produced some pretty far out stuff.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

being a fan of the grateful dead, nrps and the jerry Garcia band found the book very enlightening into his early life and the road to the dead and the early days of the band and up to around 1986 when he had his diabetic coma. discusses LSD, acid tests and musical influences.

[Jay Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became an overnight Deadhead after my buddy Lyle invited me to see them with him in 1990. I "got it" immediately and soon amassed hundreds of live recordings, spent countless hours reading newsgroup posts, and ended up seeing them live about 40 more times prior to Jerry's passing in 95.

As you can imagine, I've read my share of books on the band, the scene, the players, and the music. In fact, it's been quite a while since a new release has piqued my interest - you can only repackage the story in so many ways. But I decided to give this one a spin in part because it's compiled by longtime Grateful Dead publicist and historian Dennis McNally, but mainly because it's sole focus is in presenting never before released interviews with Jerry.

A Rolling Stone cover story in 89(?) was my first glimpse into the amazing mind of Garcia. It was there that I discovered his tie-in with the Beat Generation via his close friendship with iconic figure Neal Cassady - inspiration for Kerouac's 'On the Road'. Those not familiar with his history may be surprised to discover just how complex he was - from his bluegrass roots through his deep knowledge of all early American music, science, movies, mythology, literature and arts - not to mention being a fantastic storyteller.

This is far from the best place to start if you're new on this journey. 'Long Strange Trip', also by McNally, may take that prize. Other good choices are 'Searching for the Sound' by bassist Phil Lesh and 'Playin' in the Band' by Dead Hour Radio Host and superfan David Gans. But there was plenty to love here. My favorite interviews were (1) his recollections of Neal Cassady (2) the impact psychedelics had on his perception of the world and, hands down (3) the rich, detailed description of what went through his head when was soloing/improvising on his guitar..... creating the indescribable magic that really WAS the Grateful Dead for many of us.

I give the book 4 stars instead of 5 as it was shorter than I hoped it would be and and, at times, it seemed a bit cobbled together. But there wasn't any recycled material here, which counts for a lot - even if resulting in the aforementioned brevity and choppiness. I'm glad the author didn't utilize previously released content for filler, segues or chronological continuity.

I should mention that I read the book on my Kindle Paperwhite, which I wouldn't have done if I had know how much of his art was included in the book. Many of the pieces were ones I'd never seen before. I'm assuming that in the hard copy edition these are represented in full page color.

Bottom Line - Highly recommend for Dead vets, but for riders who have recently hopped on the bus, I would wait and pick it up a little Further down the Golden Road.

PS - Next on my list, in a few months / years when I'm ready to dip back into the well, may be roadie Steve Parish's insider memoir, 'Home Before Daylight', which I hear is an excellent and underrated addition to the dozens (hundreds?) of books in this Space.

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure McNally talks in this more than Garcia. Not by any means bad, just not much on this particular vine. The interviews are more like snippets. Inessential but harmless. Also affectless, which was kinda not the point of our hero.

Or, in Jer-ese, ‘kinda not the point of our hero, do you know what I mean?’

[Jenneffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knowing almost nothing about the Grateful Dead or Jerry Garcia, I listened to this audiobook because of the rave review it received in one of the publishing magazines (I want to say it was PW but don't remember for sure). One of my best friends is a Deadhead, who has seen countless shows, so thereinlies my interest. It took a few interviews for me to get "into" the speech patterns and wavy thread patterns of Garcia's roundabout way of answering questions, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed it from a historical perspective, from an artistic perspective, and feeling like I got to know Jerry Garcia a little bit. Most interesting to me were his roots in Unions, his fascination with Jack Kerouac and the Beats, and his songwriting partner. A great choice.

[M. Sarki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this book throughout the summer of 2016. Will probably revisit from time to time as Jerry offered many bits of wisdom regarding all sorts of life's art and conditions.

[Roy McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgot to put this on here but of course it was delightful!!!

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a long, strange trip this was.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a great idea!! Take a bunch of recorded interviews with the late Jerry Garcia, reflecting on his personal history, that of the Grateful Dead (and other musical diversions and friends and influences), and various thoughts on things like movies and politics. Assemble them into a book. Then, for the audio book version, use the recorded tapes themselves, so that you really DO have Jerry speaking on Jerry.

This is the audio book's greatest strength. Also, it's biggest weakness. The sound quality on these prerecorded interviews varies widely – from “excellent” to “well, if you sort of squint with your ears, you can make it all out”. Other sounds in the background attempt to distract the listener – people in the background offering memory hints and their own opinions and such. At least twice, phones ringing – old style mounted on the wall-type LOUD phones. (At least the contents of the phone calls were edited out of this published edition!) And, the interviewer's thoughts carry through more than they should in a book conceived as and called “Jerry on Jerry”.

Is it worth a listen? Definitely. Is it perfect? Far from.

RATING: 3 1/2 stars, rounded down to 3 stars where 1/2 stars are not permitted.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

We want too much of people. I love the Grateful Dead's music and Jerry's solo work as well, but its too much to want him to be more than a talented guitar player. This book, while providing a bit of insight into San Francisco in the 1950s and 1960s, does not provide any great insight into the human condition or really anything much more than his reminisces. On the contrary, Jerry keeps disclaiming any great knowledge or insight. He may have been an interesting man in person, but look elsewhere for philosophy. Better yet, just listen to his music. That should be enough.

[Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one you have to LISTEN to (reading just won't have the full impact). I think there will be very few people that will live during my lifetime who are extraordinarily genuine, yet true reluctant teachers, that just ride the light on a whole different level than the rest of humanity. The 14th Dalai Lama is one (and I am not a Buddhist) and Jerry Garcia is another. Wow, this guy.....I love, love, love & miss, miss, miss.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

some Jerry artwork, some interviews... lots of "you know" and "you know what I mean" that honestly should have just been edited out IMHO.

Because if you removed that writing from this book you would diminish the word count by 10% haha.

Jerry to me is one of America's greatest artists. But you want to put him up there as one of our greatest philosopher's or something?

I am sure all the Deadheads will just adore this book and rave about it.

Ho hum

[Art Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The afterlife of Jerry Garcia, like Jimi Hendrix, seems to have its' own perpetua mobile thing going, with new material coming out seemingly endlessly. This is an officially sanction compilation of the few random later life interviews that aren't already out there doesn't add much in the way of insight. Indeed many of the interviews reference older interviews with the interviewer reminding and correcting Jerry's hazy memory of much documented events in his the The Dead's storied career. It's not exactly sad but it doesn't help enhance his continually growing mystique.
The sparse text is augment by many original sketches, drawings and paintings that show off Jerry's visual creativity and talent. Quirky, sometimes comical, always colorful they are the reason this got three stars from me and not two.
This book is for the diehard Dead completists out there, (like me) and not certainly for anyone coming to Jerry and his music for the first time. Much better to let the music speak for itself

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jerry on Jerry does far more good than bad but by its very nature (pieces of interviews) the flow is sometimes broken. Having said that, I believe wholeheartedly that this is a valuable volume.

Dennis McNally does a commendable job giving these interviews some form of flow. The very thing that makes this a wonderful listen (I am reviewing the audio edition), Jerry wandering a bit off topic, also makes it difficult to maintain flow.

I think as a fan of his I wanted to give it 5 stars but in fairness to those who might like him and the Dead but not be fans as such I think 4 stars is more accurate. This is definitely recommended for fans, if only to hear Jerry speak. This is also valuable for music historians and musician/songwriters who are still working out how they can best develop their gifts. There are many wonderful tips to be taken away within the various stories and explanations.

Reviewed from a copy made available through Goodreads First Reads.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jerry was a great guitar player. There were other guitar players "better" than him, but what I like most about Jerry and The Grateful Dead, it's true American music. You can hear American things in his music. Whether you like it or not, just like Chuck Berry, The Grateful Dead are a piece of Americana and is true American music.

Is Jerry a generational icon like Kerouac and Ginsberg were and put forth to be? If he was, he wasn't trying to be. He just a guy playing his music and loved what he did. Like everyone thought Dylan was the "Voice of a Generation", many people obsess over Jerry Garcia making him out to be more that what he was. Like a folk hero.

Reading this book, you find out that Jerry was a very talented person. There is nothing mind blowing about these interviews, at least to the average Grateful Dead fan. I paid $30.00 too much for this book, but I did appreciate the photos and artwork.

[Seth]

So i’ve learned a lot from this guy within the short two months i’ve been actually paying attention. he is a comforting presence.. so much so it can be truly mind boggling.

jerry actually reminds me a lot of deedee in retrospect.. the dead’s approach to music and community.. the sense of humor.. the soloing.. it all starts to become a bit more clear

as for this actual book, the guy who is the narrator, author and interviewer is a Keaurac (or whatever) worshipper.. so of course his attitude towards jerry was one of ass sniffing and reverence, which could be understandable!
but his choices of questioning always led to these emotional stakes that all journalists or academics want to put on musicians.. and the truth is not actually that insightful. but since jerry always had a pleasant attitude with these settings, he somehow could always divert (just like his music) into something actually substantial.

‘if i ever die before i can talk to anyone tell them i wasn’t crazy!’

[Steve Johgart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audio version of this book is the way to "read" it. The interviews are recordings of the actual interviews, not recreations for the audio book. It's really fun to hear Jerry's voice as he discusses his life, the band, creating music, and other rambling takes on the world. He's sometimes insightful, and nearly always fun to listen to. McNally does a fine job of grouping interview excerpts in thematic ways - the interviews are with several interviewers and from several time frames (mostly older times, which isn't surprising, since Jerry was probably much less interesting to interview and less interested in being interviewed in his later heroin days). I really enjoyed listening to this book - I may pick up a print copy sometime to catch some of the faint asides and hard-to-hear phrases.

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful and enjoyable listen for Deadheads and music fans alike. Dennis McNally combed through the Grateful Dead archives in California and found some truly enlightening and candid interviews from Jerry and compiled them into this fun audiobook. It was a great experience getting to hear Jerry in his own words talk about a variety of topics from Neal Cassidy to the Catholic Church to gay bars to LSD. A quick listen at only 4 discs, but a time well spent. Th audiobook also has an extra disc with a PDF of images and other items found in the printed book.

[Cobertizo · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Kerouac era el héroe de Jerry. Leer En el camino fue parte esencial de su crianza . Realmente significa algo. Es eso que tienen los rollos de máquina de escribir: carecen de pausas, no tienen atrezo ni ninguna porquería. Eso es precisamente lo que forjó el espíritu embrionario de Grateful Dead.

(...)

Los libros de Kerouac -dice Jerry García- me abrieron las puertas que me pusieron en esta vida. Me gustaría hacer lo mismo por alguien más, ¿me entiendes? Entonces, estaré para todo aquel que tenga la voluntad de hacerlo."

[Elba · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook is the way to go as you get to listen to Jerry Garcia recount his early childhood, adolescence, and of course his guitar influences as a prominent member of the Grateful Dead in a series of interviews. He taught himself how to play guitar by listening to popular songs and kept at it basically inventing a whole new genre. He was a person who felt deeply and had artistic flare beyond the band he help found. I love his pioneer attitude of I think there's another way and I am going to explore this.

[Qualia Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for deadheads.

I really enjoyed this and found it a cool glimpse into Jerry at the time. This was pretty late period Jerry however, and you can tell his mind wasn't at its best which kinda sucks to see. Heroin tho... hell of a drug...
Still an awesome read tho. I also checked out the audio book which I might recommend more, because then you can hear him in these interviews in his actual voice.

[Ric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give it three and a half if I could. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't a 'great' book. It basically is snippets of interviews from over the years with Jerry, so that was fun. I did learn more about what made him tick, and the story about getting dosed and playing was a hoot. Ditto how he stumbled upon the key to pedal steel. Fun for short bursts. If you expect it to be what it is, then you won't be disappointed. I wasn't.

[Ryan Papoutsis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful look into the mind of a pioneer of both the counterculture of the 60s and music of the age. Musicians, and particularly, Jam bands everywhere look to the Grateful Dead as a source of inspiration in their own music and discovering and there is no better way to draw inspiration than relating to and learning from the mind of the leader of the band. Wonderfully written, to the point where one can almost hear Jerry’s voice if they focus hard enough !

[Jennifer]

Listened to the audiobook. Interesting interview segments with Jerry. Considering these were in the 1990's and earlier the quality is good. I would like to see the artwork in the book. Highly recommend listening to Jerry instead of reading it to hear his voice and background noises and laughter. Not for people who aren't familiar with the music. I'd imagine some parts would be lost without this info.

[Joshua Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the parts where Jerry talked about his early childhood memories, as well as the parts about his approach to creating music. I tuned out a bit when he talked about the scene in SF in the 60s and his thought on politics (he only voted once...WTF, Jer?!). Listening to this is the way to go, even though some of the audio quality is less than ideal.

[Lee Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always struck by how he speaks how he plays, engaged, enthusiastic, joyful, philosophical, anti-establishmentarian, complicated but for the most part clear, essentially "rapping" as they used to say. No truly memorable stories or revelations other than that he was an asthmatic kid with few friends who stayed in bed most of the time and read comix and sci fi. At 1.5x speed he's even more fluent.

[Sam Motes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of interviews between Jerry and the author over the years that rambles through music , politics, drugs, movies, religion and all points between. Gives a small glimpse into Jerry's mind and he comes across as a brilliant and insightful soul.

[Dude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far out. I love Jerry perspectives and his knowledge. He was so intelligent, brilliant, cosmic, interesting and just real. The world was real lucky to have man in it. He left behind such a wonderful and beautiful legacy. I'm glad these interviews are around. I dig it.

[Davi Kladakis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am being generous, with 2 stars. All can say is there is a reason this book came out AFTER Jerry Garcia died. The artwork was nice. The. " interview" ugh. Maybe I should have smoked or taken a little something prior to reading this.

[Rye · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The whole idea of government is a ruse. Anybody who thinks they’re really governing is silly. If it happens, it only comes from whoever’s got the biggest threat, and that’s only scaring people and herding them around. It’s not governing.”