New Book Celebrates Jim Marshall’s Photos and Stories of the Grateful Dead’s Formative Years, 1966-1977

Photo Credit: Jim Marshall

San Francisco publisher Chronicle Books has announced the forthcoming release of a new page-turner for fans and followers of the popular Bay Area stalwarts who originated as The Warlocks. The book The Grateful Dead by Jim Marshall: Photos and Stories From the Formative Years, 1966-1977, is due on August 5, 2025. 

During his professional career, Marshall shot over 10,000 stills of the Grateful Dead, cementing his status as a fly on the wall during the band’s prolific ‘60s start and continued flow into the psychedelic ‘70s. The 216-page book spotlights 200 images culled from the photographer’s massive archive–a third of the photos included have not been seen by the public. 

Through his lens, Marshall watched and captured the Grateful Dead performing at Woodstock, the Newport Pop Festival, and the final free concerts on Haight Street, Human Be-In, where the Dead performed a three-song, 30-minute set, instances of concert significance for Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and at times, Mickey Hart [stepped away from Feb. 1971-Oct. 1974], Pigpen [passed away in 1973] and others.

The Grateful Dead by Jim Marshall was curated by Amelia Davis, owner and manager of Jim Marshall Photography LLC, and David Gans, one of The Grateful Dead Hour syndicated radio show hosts and a musician in his own right. 

Dead & Company guitarist and decorated artist John Mayer was tasked with constructing the book’s Afterword and providing final thoughts that draw on his own experience and unique understanding of the band’s beloved status. 

Marshall passed away in 2010 at age 74. His legacy is heavily associated with images captured through his trademark Leica camera, from jazz greats like Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters to county music heavy hitters Johnny Cash, Leon Russell, and Waylon Jennings and, of course, the Grateful Dead, scenes that reflect culture. 

Pre-order The Grateful Dead by Jim Marshall: Photos and Stories From the Formative Years,1966-1977.