The Travelin' McCourys perform Grateful Dead tune "Loser" at DelFest 2015

Ronnie starts this song talking about Jerry Garcia's relationship to Bluegrass music and the part that daddy Del played in that. Then the band goes into an awe inspiring performance of this classic tune. Ask anyone who was at DelFest how special this show was...they'll tell you.

[@swvastories3498]

Who else cannot watch this video enough? Terrific job guys!

[@rosemaryhill8804]

Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia - Thanks, boys! R.I.P.

[@stevegordon8474]

Jerry Garcia would love this version. Jerry loved authentic American music and you can't get any more authentic than The Del McCoury Band and Del's sons' band The Travelin' MCCourys. I just bought the latter's self-titled 2018 disk with Loser on it and the whole record is sensational. A tremendously talented band with Ronnie and Rob McCoury on mandolin and banjo respectively, the brilliant fiddler Jason Carter, and Alan Bartram on bass, both of whom can sing lead like Ronnie, and lastly the excellent guitar of Cody Kilby. Del and Jerry must be so proud. Do yourself a favour and buy this record by The Travelin' McCourys. It's absolute gold.

[@davidrosenzweig1380]

possibly the best version? 🤯

[@michaelsawyer158]

Ronnie sounds like his Dad. I'm happy the McCoury sound endures

[@bpatrickhoburg]

Michael, I don't know, he has the range, but I think Ron has his own unique vocal style distinguishable from his father. Not to mention writing style!

[@michaelsawyer158]

@@bpatrickhoburg no doubt that is true, however I can hear his father in his voice.

[@bpatrickhoburg]

@@michaelsawyer158 Haha, yeah, that is undeniable, and I love it!

[@edwardfuchs4616]

yes!

[@catdaddy3302]

I saw them do this with Del at The Farm in Eureka Springs, Arkansas a couple years ago. It was so good, it brought tears to my eyes. I’ve been listening to Robert Hunter’s lyrics since I was 16. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@timgrant9532]

This is my fav Dead tune! Can't believe there are thumbs down comments??? This is an awesome rendition!

[@MitraKirtan]

Those are people in Australia liking it.

[@richhalmuth160]

The best compliment you can give any musician is to have someone play your song and make it their own So says Jerry Garcia and many other musicians

[@luiswilliams360]

@@MitraKirtan LOL

[@superimposedfun]

Hell yes brother these boys do it righteous

[@bpatrickhoburg]

Just as there are bluegrass traditionalists who don't like a veer off the beaten path so there are Grateful Dead traditionalists, and if a cover doesn't hit the buttons they're looking for in the tune they love in their heart then you've done them wrong. I for one have loved every Del and Ronnie led Dead covers over the last couple decades. They're showing they're respects to legendary contributors to their musical culture in their own ways. Garcia and many others around him would love this band I bet!

[@robertshorthill6836]

Man, that 4 string E- mando is a sweet looking axe. Played by a master. Jerry would approve of this rendition. Thanks, from an bluegrasser dead head.

[@LBVeil4215]

What a fantastic rendition. These guys are in a class of their own.

[@jackstraw8145]

Don't know how it took me so long to see this. Now I have and I'm happy. That's the deal.

[@thomas7johns]

Holy Smokies...this is the best Loser I've ever heard! Those McCoury boys rock-blue.

[@davidkorb6395]

Ole Jerry has got to be smilin' from the great beyond when he hears this!

[@77Cardinal]

This recording though. The McCoury folks know how to make roots music fill your speakers up from top to bottom. Who else picks up an acoustic bass like that? Damn!

[@jahrojasexqsys5238]

This is an amazing version, as well as performance, of this song...hearing it played this way really shows the influence blue grass had on jerry garcia and the influence jerry garcia had on american folk music (the extent of which is realized and grows more with each generation). Such a beautiful pairing of two incredible musical traditions!

[@sherlenhorn8063]

I love the fiddle and the banjo on this song.

[@jeffgaumond4250]

I love Ronnie's mandolin playing, have been listening to him for years, he never disappoints. Not the flashiest player around but always solid, smooth, creative. His singing has improved with age. Sounds a lot like a young Del.

[@bpatrickhoburg]

Hey Jeff, I agree 100%. I've seen him get flashy in Telluride and other special occasions, but it isn't a fun thing to do, as it is unprofessional. I learned a lot from the whole family's ethics between 2006-2017. I haven't been to live music since then due to my career. Some day again!

[@dionst.michael5818]

Surprised to see him play a uke on this number instead of his mandolin.

[@Emando_com]

It's an electric mandolin

[@MrStuVW]

Goose Bumps like crazy i tell you... i love y'All:) Whoa!!!

[@KatDurrell87]

The bass holding it all together. That bass line is killer 🤤

[@spilly_drinks]

i put my headphones on and turn it all the way up to try to get more of that bass line. Its so dam good

[@MajinBadat]

The stand up Bass, is the best Bass.

[@markholmstrom1758]

That's pretty much the sweetest Loser I've ever heard. Very fine.

[@richhalmuth160]

Just like his Dad 100 % class act

[@DucatiMotoHawaii]

Beautiful and emotional rendition of a wonderful Dead song.

[@Daily_dose-of_brain_damage]

This is an awesome Loser. Thank you McCourys. Another example of how GD is truly the greatest American band ever. Beautiful!

[@JGarcia77]

Your above comment is spot on! No other American band can touch the GD !!

[@christinebradley8106]

OMG! I found this today and have already listened a dozen times. Just plain awesome!

[@charlie.something]

will you marry me?

[@andychevalier410]

Damn this is great, miss Jerry but some how he remains because of people like this.

[@kesamihitaffer7642]

Andy Chevalier Jerry Garcia remains cause of the music they put out, and people in 200 years will know his name and music will still being preformed

[@carolyndavis6002]

Beautiful rendition!! ❤️ ❤️ ✌️ ✌️

[@georgestevens1502]

Amazing how perfectly suited this song is to great bluegrass playing and singing. The light touch jazzy section toward the end has got to have Jerry's spirit beaming, and the same for Robert's spirit hearing his lyrics sung so perfectly. Didn't think the Billy Strings rendition could be matched, but this rendition is just as great.

[@jeffgaumond4250]

The Dead's American Beauty is one of the best bluegrass albums. Jerry got his start playing jug band music at folk and bluegrass festivals. Of course Old and In the Way (with Jerry on banjo, David Grisham, Vassar Clements and Peter Rowan) though short lived, was one of the best bluegrass bands ever.

[@RobertMorrisKnowsStuff]

Daang... Ronnies voice is point.. and the picking is superb. this IS the internet win for today... for me...And I always have to wonder about the contrarians that put thumbs down on gems like this.

[@MrStuVW]

YES! Amen Robbie:)

[@tylerao]

It’s people on phones accidentally hitting it

[@davidpach5393]

I've watched this probably 50+ times

[@kesamihitaffer7642]

David Pach more it is on my play list

[@davidpach5393]

Probably around 100 now

[@richhalmuth160]

Not quite that many yet but I'm gaining on ya lol

[@pacosuave64]

Love this. They really capture the essence of this song where most covers fall flat. So much soul and passion. Well done guys

[@mcuserton]

Yeah, I guess you're right about other covers falling flat. Hearing this version and seeing your comment made me realize that's why I don't have any Loser covers saved to my playlists: there just aren't many good ones out there. This one will be, though. They really captured the bluegrass feel of the song and a good portion of the desperation in the protagonist's voice.

[@tylerao]

And they have practiced harmonizing their whole lives together

[@flatpicker75]

Jerry is smiling bigger than you'll ever know.

[@richhalmuth160]

Amen

[@tylerao]

You mean Roger Hunter . I love Jerry, but Roger wrote the songs

[@bpatrickhoburg]

@@tylerao You mean Robert Hunter, he wrote lyrics with Jerry while the latter wrote the tunes.

[@tylerao]

@@bpatrickhoburg yes, my fingers are fat on my phone

[@bpatrickhoburg]

@@tylerao I figured you knew, I just wanted to make sure a new fan won’t get confused trying to look him up.

[@billblevins4876]

Ronnie McCoury and the boys helping keep the music going. One of the best Losers ever.

[@bobf9749]

One of my favorite Garcia/Hunter tunes done extremely well and tastefully.

[@martinwall7297]

jerry,s sitting upright for this one, keep going MCCOURYs

[@smoothprox]

Damn! Jason Carter is the smoothest fiddler alive today. What a great rendering of this classic song.

[@zaneturnerplanezane5535]

He's a great singer too.

[@livingadreamlife1428]

He and his fiddle are one. Second part of his solo break he pressured down on the bow and made his fiddle absolutely moan. Not easy.

[@mandobassdude5953]

you are right, yes indeed

[@dionst.michael5818]

Got to see Jason in one of his very first live performances with Del and the boys at the time. Fallsburg Ny in the lobby as we checked into a huge family resort for an entire weekend of bluegrass music. Early 90’s. He was amazing even then. The band was firing on all cylinders that day too. John Starling even made a rare appearance with the Seldom Scene at the time when Lou Reid had to cancel. Alison Krauss and Union Station were there as well. Such a great weekend.

[@tomgiberson5516]

Herd them do this at Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, from our camp site. NEVER herd a song sound SOOO good from the Hill behind the stage. Never forget it.

[@ncmpittgreens]

every time i watch this i wonder how in the world it would only 25k views? this is one of the best videos on all of youtube. RONNIE!

[@greygray100]

83k now more to the point where do the 15 dislikes live we need to know

[@stevesharkey470]

DAMM RIGHT

[@seeohrusso8900]

missing kittens & babies

[@teenut7024]

And go Cody & Ronnie & Jason!

[@donnab.sobczak9024]

Great job! Great musicians. Loved it.

[@jeffreyblairsr6941]

I just love this cover! What a tribute! Del raised some great bluegrass boys!

[@thechad5764]

I think theres a banjo player out there in the great beyond smiling knowing his music is still being played long after he left this life, cant wait to see this group next week 💚🙏💚

[@treestand7994]

I almost cry every time I listen to this amazing performance.

[@fredwood420]

Best cover of this song ever. Those McCoury boys are no joke. Superb pickers and singers. I gained a whole new respect for them after hearing this song. Deep and soulful.

[@jcolterh]

Hot damn!

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Incredible stage presence by each musician as they conduct and then hand-off each solo by walking toward the next player.

[@timr5283]

McCoury's are a pure class act... true professionals. Have seen them several times at festivals, and their class rises above all!

[@richhalmuth160]

That's what is called showing class And this band is 100 % class

[@spilly_drinks]

I am so thankful to whoever mixed the sound, recorded, and uploaded this. This may be my favorite thing on KZbin. It is so well done.

[@travis8947]

*grateful

[@spilly_drinks]

@@travis8947 dam. I really missed my chance there.

[@jasonpope1762]

I have seen a couple pictures from when Jerry met Del. I'll just say this, just like Ronny was saying, Jerry loved Bluegrass Music and it held a special place in his heart. Thanks so much for this. Wish there were more.

[@stevegoodman5860]

+Jason Pope The whole Traveling McCourys Saturday night set is up on KZbin somewhere. It was one of the most mesmerizing shows I've ever seen, including an unbelievable tribute to B.B. King on "The Thrill Is Gone."

[@martinwall7297]

can't stop listening to this! perfectly done.

[@amuzme6791]

I am amuzed now, for certain.

[@robertgallagher2484]

Being one of those lucky souls that saw Jerry at his highs and lows-including the Dead at Cornell Univ. The vocal harmonies on this version of Loser must make Jerry happy every time it is played. Ronnie really has the vocal range needed. Great job lads.

[@cjhudson419]

Cornell never happened.....

[@cjhudson419]

Band members have clearly stated on film that Cornell 5 8 77 never happened and that they threw a bunch of different versions together. Research it and lemme know. I just wanna be right. For Jerry's sake

[@timharper4246]

@@cjhudson419 some say it was an MkUltra CIA mind experiment to see if they could create memories of things that never happened 😉 . Looks like they were right.

[@janineturbitt2525]

@@cjhudson419 Gosh, Who knew? We've just gotta roll along with the punches Ay. Love to you and yours from. Aotearoa. NZ. xx (I don't usually read comments, but just a few words from your letter came up and my shackles raised a little. I m OK and loved your letter when I read it calmly. Arohanui xx

[@MrLittlefeat]

This is truly one of the best version's of this song that I've ever heard and I've heard a lot !

[@LessThanFaceProductions1]

Jesus Christ I'm in tears.

[@m.shawnanderson4170]

You're not crying. I'm crying.

[@martinwall7297]

Jerry's crying

[@charlie.something]

I cried. True.

[@Malepresentingtimelord]

I’ve listened to this song probably 30 times today ..

[@jimbacks4162]

This has become one of my new favOrites. Play it every day at least 2 or 3 imes.thanks for introducing me to them. Love this band. All great entertainers

[@brucegrunwald20]

The richness is astonishing thanks

[@commventam]

My wife and I were there! I remember well The Travelin' McCourys playing this Saturday night. Love these guys, love this version of this song!

[@jamesbattiest4798]

You guys are atop group wonderful musicians love youguys james from Duncan oklahooma

[@aaronvandyke7140]

I cant stop listening to this somg. Traveling mcourys are the best.

[@meghanlewis5211]

That was a proper special evening that was.

[@jimifed2798]

Over the years I have gathered that Jerry was a good guy too alot of people.

[@charlie.something]

you gathered correctly.

[@robinsmith7168]

One of my favorite Dead tunes, very well done!

[@bettybirch5836]

Best version ever.................

[@anthonytesta344]

They added the sweet susy, bravo

[@stevieboy1522]

As a long-time deadhead, and now a veteran of about 60 -70 Del McCoury Shows, I truly love the Travelin McCoury's, if any McCoury or Jason Carter or Alan Bartram is involved........count me in!!! I have been lucky to have been able to go to every Delfest and this show was way over the top, not just this fabulous version of Loser, but everything they did was amazing!

[@patfal1514]

Lucky boy I wish I could find me a good country boy again to listen to good music with made me sad I'm a widow now 8 long years me and my WV mountain man used to love bluegrass festivals

[@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239]

@@patfal1514 ♥️

[@c.richardphillips1542]

Just....wow

[@kesamihitaffer7642]

One of my favorite covers of a dead tune, it is awsome

[@Griffin6933]

The song, the band, the beautiful genre of bluegrass, that suit, it's all so beautiful

[@blueridger28]

Thank God for this moment in time.

[@TheJrddxw]

Who are the 4 people that gave a thumbs down? That had to be a accident! This was imo the best cover of this song I have ever heard!!!

[@richhalmuth160]

Idiots who travel all over KZbin putting down good music

[@relars52]

Excellent rendition of Jerry's song from his "solo" album: "Garcia" (1971)

[@edwardrichard2561]

Dell fest is one of my favorite festivals. It is pricey with late night tickets. You can literally float down the river and hear everything playing bouncing off the mountain. Plus the musicians are playing top notch.

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Although written by Garcia’s friend Robert Hunter, this song was personal to Jerry and he sang it with a passion. Ronnie and the Travelin’ McCoury’s certainly do it justice with this arrangement which stays true to the original composition while adding some exceptional solo breaks.

[@tomchristian7781]

A perfectly touching rendition. Love it.

[@mmmd925]

a tremendous rendition, Jerry smiling.....

[@teenut7024]

5 months til Delfest 2019! The countdown is on! 🤪

[@edwardfuchs4616]

As good as it gets. Wow!

[@likearailroad]

Beautiful, thank you.

[@mrdogmoon]

This band is out of this world!

[@teenut7024]

Nothing says Delfest like this says Delfest! Thank you, Ronnie, Rob, Jason & Cody for all the good times.

[@robertswick4355]

I love to hear this, this truly shows what Jerry was all about 🥰

[@godekeklinge483]

And its such a great fiddle playing with incredible accents... so we see: less could be so much more!

[@garylam6233]

Awesome Awesome Awesome My uncle and Jerry Garcia lived under a bridge in California before they made the big time . It’s crazy where some of the greats have been to get where they are

[@florianwolf9380]

Jerry and the Deaths would love this version. A great song, superbly performed - well done guys !

[@pwpsmeade]

Would be cool to see @BillyStrings cover this song as well!!!

[@scottorado]

He has

[@KatDurrell87]

Billy strings is a bluegrass god

[@taylordowling5023]

Scott Green when

[@anthonycanuso1131]

Chills!

[@MrJDP1974]

Y'all killed it! GREAT GREAT GREAT! Thank you!

[@markwilliams8532]

Great job . I give you guys a 10+ Ya,your right he sure does sound like his dad.. you could mistake him for his dad if you didn't know it.

[@johnmorello1164]

how could any one alive not love this ?

[@johnbarr1689]

I was lucky enough to see Del and the band perform in Fort Collins back in Oct 2018.Probably the best playing I have ever seen live and I have toured with multiple jam bands and such. BEAUTIFUL!

[@andrewjones9417]

absolutely beautiful.

[@welltrainedsquaw8004]

DEL YEAH! this still gives me chills. and i must say Cody certainly is a perfect fit.

[@DooDahMon]

Any Loser with a “Sweet Susie” with just exactly perfect with me… and this version is about as good of a cover. Jerry is smilin from above. Well done Ronnie & dah boys. ✌️❤⚡️🎸

[@ireneruthfox]

One of the best "Loser" I ever heard......Great Job.

[@bobfoote4606]

Maybe there is still hope for us. Peace to All.

[@kenholmes8378]

Well said!!!

[@shawnnerveza5563]

That's lovely

[@chadsams7282]

Love this version

[@ErnestLemmingway]

I can at least say, i did see jerry albeit as a toddler. This performance is FULL of love and respect for jerry and it warms my heart. Hope this music never stops 🥲

[@jrc7660]

Love how he threw sweet suzie in there

[@TNick006]

🧗‍♀️😉😉

[@highrockcity]

A wonderful combination of bluegrass and Jerry Garcia.

[@davidsaxe9103]

Absolutely fantastic~

[@lsmaccounting5861]

This is so dam well done

[@docmartin3344]

thats actually a pretty slick break by rob on the banjer also how they build up to the crescendos in the song are perfect.

[@hemabhaskaran9809]

This is awesome 😎 Ronnie and Rob and Jason are amazing

[@LessThanFaceProductions1]

Cosmic Ronnie.

[@ATLWizard]

"Come to daaaddy, on an inside straight!"