Content originally published 3/15/23
(LOOTPRESS) – American musician and Grateful Dead founding member Phil Lesh was born March 15, 1940. Originally an avant-garde classical multi-instrumentalist with a formal background, Lesh’s eclectic musical interests remained a prominent influence on the music of the Grateful Dead. Lesh – along with fellow founding members Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Jerry Garcia – remained a core member of the Grateful Dead throughout the band’s 30-year career.
Born in Berkeley, California, Phil Lesh got his musical start as a violinist before taking up the trumpet during his time at Berkeley High School. It was during this time that his interest in free jazz and avant-garde classical music began to develop.
He would later enroll at the College of San Manteo, where he would secure the position of first trumpet chair and would write out music charts for the college’s jazz orchestra. In 1962, Lesh would study under Italian modernist composer Luciano Berio, who would become known for his experimental and cutting-edge work in the realm of electronic music.
It was also in 1962 that Lesh would meet and befriend Jerry Garcia, who at the time was performing as a bluegrass banjo player. Garcia would soon invite Lesh to join his band – at the time known as The Warlocks – as a bass player, despite Lesh’s complete and utter lack of experience with the instrument. Lesh would accept the invitation, and The Warlocks would soon become the Grateful Dead.
Lesh’s lack of knowledge regarding the traditional role of bass guitar in rock & roll music ultimately worked to his benefit, as it allowed him to develop a unique style free of influence from preconceived notions as to what the function of electric bass actually was. The musician’s classical background would act as a substantial influence on his playing with The Dead, with Lesh himself regarding the immense influence of Bach and the latter’s use of counterpoint in his work.
Upon joining what would become the Grateful Dead, Lesh remained with the group until its dissolution in 1995 following the death of Jerry Garcia. He would establish himself as a key variable to the group’s sound throughout the years, simultaneously holding down the musical low-end while remaining an active participant in the interactive improvisation of other melodic instruments onstage. In 1994, Lesh would be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Grateful Dead.
Once the Grateful Dead officially became inactive, Lesh continued to perform in the style of the band with his offshoot act Phil Lesh and Friends which continues to perform today – upcoming performance dates can be found here. He would regroup with Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir in 2009 to form the group Further, which would act as yet another vehicle for the musical stylings established by the Grateful Dead. The Further would officially disband in late-2014.
Here’s wishing a Happy Birthday to one of the most influential musicians of his era, Mr. Phil Lesh!