raveled throughout coffee shops which eventually brought drummer Bill Kreutzmann into the scene. Much of their music was inspired by the bluegrass music legends like Bill Monroe. Jerry also befriended organist Ron McKernen a.k.a. Pigpen who was a genius of blues. The rise of the acid culture in the Bay Area lead Jerry to a man named Phil Lesh. Phil was a classically trained bass player and before the rise of The Dead, was writing music for symphonies. Lesh and Garcia became very close friends and loved to share their passion for music. This was the beginning of the "Long Strange Trip" of The Grateful Dead. Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia eventually became the band's primary lyricists. Lead and vocals were the role of Jerry Garcia. Bob Weir sang and played guitar with Jerry. Ron "Pigpen" McKernen filled the sound of the Dead with not only
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