Grateful Dead Break Record for Most Top 40 Albums on Billboard 200

Photo Credit: Herb Greene

Grateful Dead have broken the record for most Billboard Top 40 albums ever and by any other music group after Dave’s Picks Vol. 49 debuted at #25 on this week’s Billboard 200, ultimately serving as the band’s 59th album to make the record charts. The achieved status further assists in bolstering the San Francisco jamband’s beloved discography and intricate web of community that has spun into a cultural phenomenon. 

The procurement arrived after Dave’s Picks Vol. 48, tied with Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley chart records in the fall, establishing the intertwined legacy between Jerry Garcia, Bobby Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, Phill Lesh, Mickey Hart, and their following–steeped in a 60-year triumph as music industry tastemakers.

Dave’s Picks Vol. 49 presents a pair of Grateful Dead hometown shows, both of which took place back-to-back at Stanford University’s Frost Amphitheatre on April 27 and 28, 1985, re-establishing their status as a Bay Area institution, some 20 years into their run–Grateful Dead Legacy Manager and Audio Archivist David Lemieux curated the music set.

Notably, Vol. 49 represents Dave’s Picks’ 41st title to enter the Top 40 and the Grateful Dead’s 45th Top 40 record to be released by Rhino Entertainment. The set debuted #1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales this week, marking the first time the Dead have topped that chart-specific category. 

“This could be the most unlikely and unexpected record in music history, and is a testament to a few things,” offered Lemieux via press release. “First and foremost is the exceptional and consistent quality of the Grateful Dead’s more than 2,000 live shows. On the heels of this is the loyalty and passion of the many Dead Heads who have made this record possible.”

“And to top it off, the Grateful Dead have a partnership with Rhino that ensures these many album releases are produced with care, love, and respect for both the band’s music and legacy, and the Dead Heads themselves. It’s an honour and privilege to work for this community, and our aim is to keep building on this record by delivering the quality of recordings Dead Heads have come to expect for many years ahead,” he concluded. 

Mark Pinkus, President of Rhino, remarked, “It is truly remarkable to witness the Grateful Dead’s enduring legacy and profound impact. Their music and culture transcend time, and this groundbreaking achievement is a testament to their ongoing influence. Rhino is honored to continue to share their meaningful and magical music with Dead Heads, both old and new.”

The impending edition of Dave’s Picks’ 50 will focus on the Dead’s May 3, 1977 stand at New York’s Palladium. For the latest updates on the band, visit www.dead.net. 

Order Dave’s Picks Vol. 49 now.