The Harder They Come ☮ Jerry Garcia Band, 3/18/78

HQ recording of Jimmy Cliff's "Harder They Come" as performed by Jerry Garcia w/ John Kahn, Maria Muldaur, Keith & Donna Jean Godchaux & Buzz Buchanan at the Warner Theatre on March 3, 1978.
Photo by Kevin Papa, taken at The Barn, Rutgers University on December 4th, 1979.

[@keswah]

That is my photo. Taken at The Barn, Rutgers University on December 4th, 1979.

[@mikemalone4266]

Kevin Papa Great shot.

[@petergordonart]

@@mikemalone4266 that photo is fucking EVERYTHING! I want to get a copy - how do I do that?????

[@andrewblack7852]

Kevin Papa ! I stopped to listen because he looks so happy and well. Great job. I love that guy. Worked for him. Lived near to him. Followed him around....

[@johnbuglioli9967]

Me likey

[@johnbuglioli9967]

Phenomenal guy down to earth full of love usually always positive rest in peace Jerry

[@BigTriffy]

This just has to be the best thing I've heard. Ever.

[@paulmorris8762]

it's a cover of Jimmy Cliff's hit

[@mjs3764]

Who's feeling this in 2020?

[@doublea5589]

1-20-21 and counting! Team Earth!

[@Ultima742]

1-9-2022

[@brianfitzgerald2779]

2024

[@bridge12582]

Loooove this version. Magic

[@rogerama920]

Literally brought tears to my eyes.

[@NoSenseDaD]

WOW!!! To do all that ROCKIN by just feeling the music and feeding off the guys your playing with. Would pay anything to see music like this live today. SHAKE IT SHAKE IT SUGAREE

[@eduardorocha2388]

So true my friend ✌🏽🎶❤️

[@fmv6767]

Hey There, It's Jimmy Cliff. An Absolute legend!

[@dipankarray1567]

The kinda music that ya can enjoy when heaven spills it, from it's chosen few faves.

[@forestbirdgirl]

"When Heaven Spills It" great words!

[@Madhatterfl]

best version of this song EVER!!!

[@jackwindrom253]

From someone who rarely ever missed a Garcia show at the Capitol, this was a good one as I just googled it up (not having heard it in a while - and yes, I had it on casette and there's a copy of it on CD somewhere's too). This opener was a doozie. Having dosed, Garcia leading the band at and around the 6:00 minute mark had me on a Giant carousel. The whole room was revolving to his solo. Whole show was outrageous, but that's what it was with JerryBand back in the day. For us here in the East, where small venue shows were a very tough ticket to get with the Dead, Jerry coming East was a joy and never to be missed. Sweet dreams and memories are made of night like this.

[@jenareedy3582]

Jack Windrom you’re so right about that. Sweet happy outrageous memories. Thanks for the vision of this song during the show. ☮️

[@cactus3111]

goddamn this is jerry and company at their finest! I am 30 yrs. old and my only regret is that I couldnt have seen these guys or the Dead live. Everyone who saw them quit bickering about what was their finest moment and just appreciate that you saw them please.

[@gymrat22able]

Couldn't agree more. Saw them over 200 times and the Jerry Band a 100 more. So thankful I lived in those times!

[@markliccione5648]

As Groucho Marx famously said, I enjoy a good cigar, but I take it out of my mouth once and awhile

[@mkultrathanks2747]

Wow, must have been amazing

[@MGKBOSTON]

This is probably one of the best examples of Garcia's ability as a guitarist. Phenomenal work.

[@theophilusparabombastus5092]

+MGK BOSTON You clown, Jerry didn't even reach maturity as a player until the 80s.

[@theophilusparabombastus5092]

I live in a halfway house-type place, you can decide for yourself if that's worse. You must not be a musician.

[@187egghead]

+Theophilus Parabombastus Maturity? What does that word even mean in this context? Garcia has been a phenomenal player as far back as any recordings I've listened to, and it's been quite a few

[@btragal]

This is the all-time great version and it's because of the vocals, the recording with Jerry so out front. Jerry's never sung better. To my ears, the guitar solo shows the evolution between "77 (a little tame) to the blowout stuff, late '79-'82 (such as the early '80 JGB tour). Nice quality upload!

[@MarkRosebklyn]

I've been a Dead head for 50 years, saw the original band 14 times, and I still listen to them incessantly BUT I never heard this! Takes Garcia to a whole other dimension vocally and instrumentally. What incredible musicianship. I never heard him like this vocally. Thank you, anybody, everybody, who uploaded this.

[@DA33MONEYBALL]

A Jimmy Cliff reggae classic.

[@Twotontessie]

I was just in Key West at a restaurant bar with my family and the original came on, then Allmans "Jessica," then a live "Franklin's." My 10 year old said "Dad - these are YOUR songs!" :)

[@esplonky6502]

Jerry: *pulls beautiful, melodic riff out of his ass* Jerry: "Wanna see me do it again?"

[@Jayteee420]

Jimmy's comin to my town very sooon..... and yes the entire lyrics are words to live by.......

[@jimvargo1653]

Thank you Jerry Garcia You are missed🎸🙏🌈🦋🌍

[@leegoldstein3927]

Perfection…goosebumps overload.

[@dadzbluz]

"The oppressors are trying to keep me down, trying to drive me underground. And though they think they have the battle won, I say forgive them Lord they know not what they've done." - Jimmy Cliff

[@RenoPoker]

Still applies, think ISIS, Yemen, Britain and the US in the revolutionary war, Britain in WWII when bombs dropped from planes where hitting them. We all need to talk and work things out .. maybe pass a joint around 😎

[@jimtravis8829]

❤

[@vglaso]

I "hear" a player- with a sense of humor. And! more importantly> friends. That 'play well together'. Nothing lasts forever. 'love it'. It's a good thing to keep recordings afloat.

[@sunshinenblues]

lovely! musicianship at its very epitome

[@omahas9000]

I can't help but post again.....The photo says SO much....Jerry in love with what he's doing....somewhere, some time....it so fits with this marvelous work.

[@dipankarray1567]

Great moments that were a blessing to true music lovers !!

[@dadzbluz]

"Everyone's a critic" ~ JG

[@doormasterbryan]

best harder they come ever/ maria and donna harmanize so sweetly.

[@Twotontessie]

Everybody on this is playing the right thing at the right time. Just beautiful. Drums and bass - you don't notice them. They're effortlessly doing exactly what is needed.

[@jktunney]

shee-wiz, keith really was amazing

[@fixfinance]

+Jake Tunney , in 74 yeah.... here the H is kicking his ass....

[@Twotontessie]

I always thought this version was a great example of Keith still having it late in the game. Sporadic but still capable of greatness.

[@jeffreyhubbard3108]

we were there, a home show for us.

[@teddyedwards9705]

THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED

[@przybyla420]

chasefukuoka61 has all the grooviest Garcia grooves.

[@stezothewhitenegro4y]

Yup The great film"Harder They Come " starring Jimmy cliff was released in 1973 Bummbaaclot!

[@scottsteibel]

Insanely good! Enjoy

[@fannymanson]

Oh bouncy!!

[@gymrat22able]

Bass:John Kahn....Ladies:Maria Maldaur(then wife of Kahn) and Donna Godchaux(wife of Keith,the piano player).And people say The Dead weren't a family Act!!!

[@itajacichristine3006]

Oh wow unforgettable Jimmy Cliff the Harder they Come Harder they Fall. I meet Jimmy Cliff in my hometown Sao Luiz Maranhão. Brazil.in a reggae club named Spaco Aberto *Open Space on a Sunday afteernoon after all day in the beach what I was amazed then in the evening Jimmy was playing with his band in the heart of the *Island of love as we nickname SlZ.

[@josephnoviello751]

yup. At 7:52 he goes into "That special level of playing that is truly incredible playing....

[@MarkMasters...]

🙏🌌

[@przybyla420]

The Garcia chord solo

[@Rave0851]

This was definitely a 'prophetic' song!

[@Rave0851]

Great Jimmy Cliff song done by Garcia & Saunders at Keystone to perfection!

[@LawtyBobby]

and Jimmy is still with us!!!

[@supsailor1885]

I saw Jerry @ the Paramount theatre in Portland OR 10 26 1978 and he opened the show with this song, with a standing ovation from the crowd. The Bob Wier Band opened the show

[@marvinbrucefood]

this is so kick ass....i'm speechless.

[@ScarletFire1994]

Favorite JGB concert!

[@omahas9000]

This is a Jimmy Cliff song, of course, but NO one rendered it like Jerry. Period. I SO wish I could have been there that night!!!

[@user-gs3hg1qb1r]

Love this!

[@tzipple]

Love Garcia doing this song. Wonderful version on the Keystone release from 1973. First Garcia recording of it, I think, with his long time friends: Merl Saunders, John Kahn, Bill Vitt, and David Grisman on a track or two.

[@orose9955]

It is not just donna singing back up, it is the song bird Maria Muldaur

[@gummybear100]

@Madhatterfl Totally agree i had this whole show for at least a decade and always find myself returning to this version. It is definitive.

[@susangoodrich4530]

We got to see these guys just around the same time as this in Ithaca,N.Y. Awesome! So much fun!

[@forestbirdgirl]

OMG!!! Rapturously JGB

[@bryanhunt9]

Amazing photo, I love it.

[@mjimih]

up there... Jimi says to Jerry... "Hey man let's jam on this one k? You take lead, i'll follow. Keep it fast n light, bc it makes me feel free!"

[@johnveitch7410]

Great post. Regards

[@hobowantdollar]

strait gangsta

[@ronhulka8654]

+Curtis Harnish Original Jerry G!

[@charliehalsted1093]

I'd rather be a free man in my grave...

[@noah-gdesign9570]

R.I.P. Gerry and Mr. Saunders. You will live on within our hearts and your amazing musical legacy.

[@jamonbrown4195]

Too bad his name was Jerry...and oh...let's not forget Jimmy Cliff! Be a free man in your grave. Not a puppet on a string.

[@stephenmaeder404]

Was there!

[@NB-ej1uh]

Keith putting it down in minute 4 like a boss!

[@Twotontessie]

When on he was the sweetest. Somebody needs to write books about Keith and about Brent. 2:26 - those little rhythmic chirping things are so fun. At the time it was not looked on favorably by Jerry and the others - the block chords. I love it.

[@michellerichardson9501]

what a way to brighten your day! or night...

[@josephnoviello751]

Incredible guitarist.....period.

[@dtacam]

I'd rather be a free man in my grave, than living as a puppet or a slave!.! Words to live by. Thank you Jerry and rest in peace. P.S. Thank you Bob Marley.

[@robertwood4681]

Thank Marley for a lot of things, but thank Jimmy Cliff for this song.

[@brianfitzgerald2779]

Especially in the world today because their trying to take our freedom away.

[@robertnoe1431]

when i had one hissy "borrowed" jgb bootleg this was it. and it was the standard for me. flash forward years later, i heard versions played on february 10, 1980 and less than a year later feb 11,1981. these two versions carry the torches. seek them out- they will shine the way...

[@teddyedwards9705]

My favorite of the "upbeat" works of JGB

[@Revvin]

Thank you for sharing! Great performance!

[@joemallett1897]

Jereeeeeeey!!!!!!!

[@SpecialAgent-zn1vv]

Mannnn.....🔥🔥🔥

[@omahas9000]

My God......I don't know who posted this....but THANK you.....an example of Jerry's art at his best. Magic.

[@uradragon]

So damn fine. Wow thanks for the post. Who could not love that music? So damn sweet.

[@gratefulant1]

Grate song thanks for the upload

[@1tag2]

10 times what I saw, but we are both fortunate!

[@debrahicks4489]

Absolute perfection.

[@MarkMasters...]

Pure Beautiful Motivation...🕺🙏🇺🇸

[@luvbotany]

so tight... miss you Jerry.

[@ccdeweese]

Jimmy Cliff rendered it the best last night!!!!!!!!!!!

[@williambaldwin6628]

my now favorite. thanks

[@nateped1]

Fantastic!!

[@likeachimney]

Jerry was the best!

[@robertdrake1134]

Standing at the fuel pump in the trucking companies yard after unloading my truck at 67 years old across the yard I can see through the dispatchers window the 2 idiots that bought the trucking company JJ and John Jr. Sipping coffee watching me work and some how they figured out how to make me work for nothing and I got this song coming through the headphones Yaaaaaaaaa!! INJUSTICE WILL BE THE END FOR EVIL!!!!

[@philmason654]

Great cover !

[@thetruth34o9]

incredible!

[@defoliatedMYmaple]

thanks a bunch

[@mrfish4lyfe]

such epic jerry guitar tone

[@JoshCrosbie1]

Wonderful!!!!!

[@Halcyon156]

Go keith!!!

[@Twotontessie]

It was either Phil or Billy who had the great quote about Keith that sums it up. "He had a heart of music."

[@sunshinenblues]

guess what.... i truly love this song. and Jerry!

[@Meyzen76]

Ditto!

[@RAMLIA1]

Love it !

[@1tag2]

I bet it was strange when you ran across this KZbin clip and saw your photo. My first show was '89. Wish I could have been around for the '70's shows.

[@jaygolfs2008]

just amazing , wow. JGB !!!!!

[@telecran7]

The Harder They Come ! Great !!!

[@alexpetro271]

I can't believe how much I enjoy Donna here. None of the aahaahoohaahoohwoohahhaaaa that I can't stand of the Dead in '78. The year I was born btw.

[@Meyzen76]

😂Well said!

[@teddyedwards9705]

THIS TOUCHES ME

[@DrLarryLapine]

FUCK YEAH !

[@johnmcgarrity4375]

great song

[@nict1161]

bob marley didn't write the harder they come. give the props to jimmy cliff, who paved the way for bob

[@naygeeyo]

Gets me dancing . .lol

[@kalleanka6937]

Jerry where are you, some people se you on the road.

[@scottbegonias313]

Everything is faster with cocaine! Grate rendition ⚡

[@keswah]

It is cool my friend.

[@richardmillsiii7609]

MJK in Boston right on brother.

[@stevenerbs3375]

Very good...

[@hoot6theyre]

one and all...............who plays like Garcia

[@amigonick121]

happy birthday jerry!

[@iamthewizard247]

The song was written by Jimmy Cliff.

[@craiggeldhauser8281]

I was there capital, Passaic

[@johnbarleycorn4592]

Jimmy Cliff turns over in his grave.He approves.Jerry and Godcheaux.