Formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California, the Grateful Dead became a cornerstone of American rock through their adventurous fusion of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, and psychedelia. Known for their improvisational live performances and devoted “Deadhead” fan community, the band—led by Jerry Garcia—redefined the concert experience with extended jams and spontaneous musical exploration. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, the Grateful Dead’s legacy endures as a symbol of creativity, freedom, and the spirit of the counterculture era.