The Story of "Sugar Magnolia" by The Grateful Dead

Story of "Sugar Magnolia" by the Grateful Dead
Interviews by Bob Weir and more...
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[@lafleurR1ddl3]

When they isolate the vocal track it makes me smile so big. He has such a lovely voice. But look into Bobby Weir's eyes when they isolate the vocal track. He remembers singing that and he remembers how much fun all of it was. You can see in his eyes that he longs for those days again.

[@markliccione5648]

kind of like we all do when we are presented with evidence of our youth...Bobby's lucky to be here some 50 years later

[@brookeroeder7974]

LaFleur Riddle Omg I said the exact same thing about how Jimmy Page was reminiscing and how I could see it in his eyes in the video where he is talking about how Stairway to Heaven came to be. It's exactly like what you said. I could tell he was being flooded with memories. Good stuff ✌️❤️😎

[@nateynate0405]

Exactly!! Gives me goosebumps

[@horseyhorselips3501]

We all long for those day's, remember paying $3.00 for my first Dead Concert Ticket. March 31,1973 Buffalo N.Y.. RIP Katherine Minner aka Little Old Lady from Pasadena, she sat next to Me at that concert, and her personal body guard sat to her right. A Pasadena California HELL ANGELS.

[@christrotter3052]

Magic

[@robbieclark7828]

Pretty much the quintessential Grateful Dead song in my eyes.

[@saintofconsequence]

This is the song that made me a deadhead. I love being able to hear the isolated instruments. People say the the live versions are better. But to me, this studio version was sublime. The perfect little song.

[@garrettsteven1963]

Nothing beats Oregon 8/27/72 that version is incredible

[@BrandonPetrucci]

This brought a tear to my eye...in 1991 I was 18 and saw my first Grateful Dead show, I was hooked instantly and their last show in Chicago 95 was my 52nd show and in between I saw them from Boston to Miami, San Diego to Oregon and it was the greatest adventure of my life...

[@johnstallings4049]

This 65 year old is dancing in my room right now and so is my dawg! ❄️🌎❄️

[@ChrisMalo-pv1or]

They’ve been a favorite band for me for 35 years. This was the song that first did it for me. On a road trip to Florida with my family this song was on my brothers mix cd and I played it non stop ⚡️⚡️❤❤

[@Frisbieinstein]

I love Jerry's steel playing. I got to see/hear him do it. He did the whole set with the New Riders.

[@thescroogemcduck]

Something about Bobby and Jerry's voice, it just sweeps me away to an easier place

[@df5295]

The sunshine daydream ending is so great! It's amazing they sort of whipped it up on the spot in the studio!

[@FanOfJanis]

@verbenco - Beautifully said and completely true. Thank you for saying so. I saw them live and in concert 25 times from 1975-1979. Now, at age 56, these are the happiest memories of my life. For the remainder of my days, I'm with them, with you and with all people who love peace, beauty and joy. They were the best garage band ever ... best live band ever ... best experience ever. They became professional musicians by accident. It was all about joy, love and life. A touch of Heaven!

[@kenlotz8673]

FanOfJanis so well said

[@Ziontrainism]

Every time when the music picks back up while singing "She can dance a cajun rhythm", I can't help but shimmy and shake a little bit.

[@lailamckinney9810]

best DayZ of my life touring w the dead. they are universal n eternal. love all the love

[@raoulmcwenna6499]

'Sugar Magnolia, Scarlet Begonias and Sugaree changed my life. So thankful. All i know about music, i have learned from this songs. They tought me everything.

[@thezenfuldog]

What a *BEAUTIFUL* human being...look man...he's got some just plain clothes...on...no BS chaos...those clowns wear today....just so BEAUTIFUL...like their music....

[@newmania4242]

They are all clear that drugs were part of the scene, but there was so much more. Sugar Mags became such an iconic song. Bouncy, fun, in later years a blasting second set closer that left us just standing and swaying in stunned (dis)belief. You can just focus on the drugs, but, man, you are missing most of it!!

[@FireFightWrestling]

It’s strange becoming a deadhead so long after it all went down. Everybody tells you to check out beauty, and when I did, I loved it. It stuck with me like the essential hippy dippy stuff, super advanced Dylan influenced folk blues. People said to listen to workingmans dead after that, and I didn’t get it at all when I was a a kid. I liked a couple tracks but songs like Cumberland and dire wolf went waaaay over my head because I was some 14 year old shithead. All I listened to from them was beauty for 4 years. After that I checked out shakedown street, mars hotel, and blues for Allah. The record that really made me a deadhead was blues for allah. It was the first record from any group that really made me “get it.” Blues for Allah still feels like the studio record that I’m most fascinated by. From there the live shit took over, and now I’m where I’m at. It will always be wonderful for me to look back on my time with American beauty as my main understanding of the dead. It doesn’t feel like a Grateful Dead album to me. It exists in its own space. The music on that album seems to exist separately from the musicians playing it, and it really feels like the glue that has held my understanding of American culture, and when to do the right thing and help people. It really displays the politics of the dead, and it really disheartens me when I see republican deadheads. Makes me wanna get off the bus sometimes. I wish people remembered what Hunter, Barlow, and the dead were saying about America with that record. A friend of the devil is a friend of mine.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Speaking of "balls out rock and roll" Bobby, thanks for retiring the jean shorts bud.

[@maryclemens9214]

I will never forget seeing those at Alpine Valley.

[@christrotter3052]

Never tire of this video. Never

[@jacktheripper3279]

My mom was a huge dead head, now I am to but when I watch these videos I'm always like oh god I hope that's not my mom haha.

[@lobstertherobster]

Great message at the end there I love it. Please tell that message to the world. The american dream is about drive and motivation not about money!

[@halbie71]

Great song!!!! One of my favorites!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss going to the concerts, not the same since Jerry passed away.

[@deweypug]

Weir is one handsome guy... oh yeah, and a stellar guitar player...

[@DJshnooks]

2 of the best musicians I have ever witnessed live, in my entire 30 years...and yes, the do share a striking resemblance.

[@barryb83110]

Music that changed lives..................changed mine for the better! Thank you boys!

[@dougmisantoni4384]

First album I ever bought....12 years old.... Thanks older bro's...Saw them at Northwestern university the next year (1973)

[@Randytheo22]

Wrote a lyric explication paper in college for Intro to poetry on SugMag. Only memorable A I received in 4 years.

[@Kati626]

You got it! When his own voice was singled out he was just kinda like, oh man, come on now.....these guys have humility ..... even Bobby!!! lol check out what Jerry says about hearing his own voice played back in his interview w/ Steve Marcus. search: Jerry Garcia Steve Marcus interview it was in the GDTS ticket office a couple days after Jerry's "comebacK" gig at the Stone after his coma in `86. It's a tasty gem too if you haven't seen it!!!

[@barryb83110]

One of my favorite songs, it changed my life!

[@michaelosy462]

If it wasn't for this song I would have never heard it.

[@xtremerockninja7]

intonation refers to the position of the bridge on the guitar. If the intonation is off, a note on the first few frets of the guitar might be in tune, but the same note played on the higher frets might be out of tune.

[@SteelyTom92]

“Balls out rock n roll” 🎸✌🏻

[@dommosay1]

I,m so glad that I,m so blessed that I can be here to Get It! I was too young when they came out.

[@terrryc]

What a fun band to listen to......that's the essence of it......

[@LawtyBobby]

I don't think Bob was sad at hearing his voice, more like" wow I was so freaking young " years go by so fast.

[@stevenbenson5241]

He sure has nuthin' to be embarrassed by but hearing your own voice and shit, especially isolated in the context of an interview(not a recording studio).

[@christrotter3052]

Never underestimate the Power of your youth... At least he's got a legacy...I've got Al Bundy-esque memories

[@williammernin5860]

Wander round...

[@no.1hotwax163]

William Mernin tu. Tu-duu. Sunshine and daydream...

[@sunshineroth9605]

...am I the only one with "happy" tears in my eyes? Not when this song is on.

[@andypetrovich2155]

Hey, I like this song. I have listened to it about _____ times.

[@togaroc345]

really cool watching them play with the tracks. i love when the guy puts on the vocal track only. bob just kind of laughs. too bad they didn't show a later version, that was some thunder

[@kevinmcnamara8758]

That would be the hippest - a favorite line, great tune, always fun to see behind the scenes as well a TGDM clips.

[@quiggleyscripple]

I've heard this at lots of shows, and quite a few were top notch, but it's hard to top Jerry's spacey pedal steel studio sound.

[@clarkewi]

One of their best in concert when they were rockin.

[@cemangrem]

my favorite too! the day i finally learned to play it... oh man i was on cloud nine.

[@clarkewi]

Phenomenal song in concert.

[@christrotter3052]

Amazing... Simply amazing

[@datsoon9236]

I did a remake of this for history class, rewriting the lyrics to show the history of America. Awesome song!

[@artsmith1972]

3:20 Phil with a beard... kills me every time I see it... ! lol... He looks SO different w/ a beard... could be Trey A's older brother (or dad )

[@jacksutherland846]

I never enjoyed life more than when being there.

[@christrotter3052]

🙂

[@rashelleblevins]

Greatful Dead was before my time, but he is right their music changes me whenever i listen to :) would have given anything to have been able to be a lot lizard and tour with the dead or a parrot head and done the same with Jimmy Buffet.

[@rm1133]

Straight ahead Thunder Rock

[@allywolf9182]

Damn, Bobby, this is why i love you so much!! Because there is only one you brother!!

[@shaconage]

Long Live the Grateful Dead!!!!!

[@ajgottesman]

thanx and I never, ever get tired of seeing that chick at 4:06

[@blissninnies23]

John Cutler, the Soundman after Dan Healey, also involved in the remaster of the American Beauty Album

[@Kohntarkosz]

It was five nights in October 74. I think the clip of Sugar Mag is from October 17th. There was a point where I first got all five nights on bootlegs and sat down and figured out where pretty much everything in the movie was from. For what it's worth, the Sunshine Daydream that's in the movie is from the 19th, I think. I do recall that it's from a different night from the main body of the song. For whatever reason, I guess Jerry and Susan decided to switch to a different night at that point.

[@Kati626]

this is WONDERFUL stuff!!!! -a joy!!!!!

[@SoulSHINEgroovy]

Did you see how sad bobby got when they solo'd Jerry's lyrics? :( I hope youre sleeping sweetly jer bear

[@sunshinedaydreaming]

maravellous ...

[@bennettrw87]

@bhollin He is referring to the guitar not being entirely in tune. Handling intonation can be quite tricky!

[@brownlauren15]

" takes the wheel when I'm seein double..."

[@dearbrummus]

MORE...I want MORE

[@jacksonjackson2914]

My favorite ..my life at a T

[@danleiter1]

Wow... Bobby in his younger days.

[@BamBam10555]

Great Stuff. Would like to see what's available for Watkins Glenn. Great Show! Who else was on the last bus out of Port Authority?

[@lisadiane55]

Bill Abroms Hey I was there, age 19, with college friends. My first and only electric kool-aid. What an amazing concert that was. All three bands jamming at the end. Some years ago, I found a clip on KZbin.

[@bhollin]

Re "questionable intonation", Bobby is basically saying that he's out of tune.

[@zoofeather]

American Dream - self determination; independent music

[@thomasroneill]

@acidinurmind thank you for posting this

[@IETCHX69]

Phil looks good in a beard.

[@mariposaswallowtail4410]

Balls out rock and roll

[@Kati626]

to steal a 60's phase, Right on man!!!

[@CaseyJones461]

@SoulSHINEgroovy That wasn't Jerry's voice man it was Bobby. I don't think he was sad i think he just didn't want to hear his own voice. =)

[@Jerryjeffelvis]

cool

[@jimjones6901]

Do they have one of these for Golden Road?

[@MrJdspecial1]

where can i watch this whole thing?

[@MrCraigary123]

Dont like the noise cancelling mics...it cuts to much great tone...go bobby go!!! (~):}

[@taylor410ce]

what they did live was so good that it should have been illegal.

[@Sound_Groove_of_America]

The song is about weed. Listen to the lyrics.

[@pbl1]

gd movie

[@kimboslice2614]

What is the first clip from?

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

10 months too late but that clip is from The Grateful Dead Movie/Winterland 74

[@GEFpickupman2134]

1:47 hi let me mute the best track of the song

[@Lunar4]

what documentary is this ????

[@MistuhCoolio]

It's called "Anthem to Beauty," if you never figured it out. Free on Amazon Prime.

[@nbass88]

bob seems kinda shy about his singing

[@Jazzywazz]

OMG! WHIPPIT MAN CRAIG! ALLISON! OMG!!

[@newmania4242]

So, as I play Sugar Mags, that part is a slide into A, then G, then E, then slide back into A. On the track they are listening to, the final slide into A is a little muted, all the strings aren't ringing clear. This is Bobby fussing about a song that he clearly loves, IMHO. Still sounds good, just a little sloppy.

[@verbenco]

Check out youtube videos that feature any other band and you will find vitriolic comments and stupid arguments. As I write this nobody disliked the video. Deadheads don't make mean comments and others don't usually view GD youtube videos, What really wonderful state of affairs. Story of Sugar Mag was very interesting and like all dead stuff way to short. GD songs that last 45 minutes are way to short as were 6 + hour concerts. seemed like hours passed in seconds when at a Dead show.

[@RedneckHillbilly-ho9md]

This video did not explain the song at all!

[@MichaelHansenFUN]

where si the thick air...? its funny!!!

[@sergkaizen5342]

Back in the day when white girls could actuallydance

[@tomknoblauch5164]

triipn

[@dascooker]

I dub thee " GARCIAISM" Quote Dascooker. I practice it every day! If you agree thumbs up! Sub if you want and be kind! Peace indeed!

[@goweatherford]

I like the album version fine. Man, did they butcher it live. Ugh.

[@dianamichael8424]

Which time? They played it live hundreds.

[@_grateful_zen_4515]

Hundreds of amazing live versions man, just my opinion. I mean fact...

[@MERRYJERRYL]

+Greg Weatherford ...........live was fine!!!!!!!!!,,not butchered!!!!!!!!!!

[@sunshineroth9605]

Now, now.....that's why we went to so many shows; when the magic happened it was so right that you'd experience the same song but never exactly the "same song." And my thanks to All 💜

[@michaelgrosser1657]

How did Jerry get so bloated.....(was no one looking after him at all???????)

[@demit189]

He was doing heroin and was drinking a lot at the time, both of which can make you gain weight.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

@@demit189 combined with piss poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

[@demit189]

@@buckodonnghaile4309 not a fan of exercise, ol Jerry was.

[@Raelspark]

100% disagree with David Gans about his view of the American Dream. Having a house and lawn and all those other things are super important, especially when you're over 30 years old. Touring around the country in a rock is fun, but it's for kids not everyone is on a position to even do that.

[@joselunajr436]

Raelspark if you don’t have kids you can easily do it, it’s very feasible you just gotta live frugally.

[@deweypug]

Bobby, shave your face, you look so much better!!

[@saintofconsequence]

Classic Lesh part: boingy and bouncy syncopations. I wish Phil would have done the beard again.

[@Mortison77577]

I don't think this song changed lives. I think the drugs did that.

[@jackstrawfromwichita6168]

Ester Samuels Combination of the two. A gram or two of shrooms and some Dead is a match paired in heaven.

[@thisnameiseitherrestricted6270]

"balls-out thunder-rock"? Sounds like wimpy hippie garbage..

[@carycrediford7036]

Then don’t listen to it and live and let live. Move along and have a grate life😎✌️🇺🇸