Jack Straw (song)
Jack Straw is a rock song written by Bob Weir and Robert Hunter in the Troubadour tradition. The track appeared on the Grateful Dead album, Europe '72, and was frequently performed live by the band.
The song was first performed in concert on October 19, 1971 in Minneapolis, MN.
Over the years, the vocals shifted between Weir and Jerry Garcia though in the song's earliest performances (circa 1971-72), Weir sang all of the vocals. The song also became much faster in tempo over the years, less concentrated on vocal harmony and more of a high-energy rock jam.
The Grateful Dead tribute album Deadicated contains a cover of Jack Straw recorded by Bruce Hornsby and the Range.
References
- Weiner, Robert G.(1999). Perspectives on the Grateful Dead: Critical Writings. Greenwood Publishing Group, 20, 150. ISBN 0-313-30569-2.
- setlists.net
- Murder Ballad Monday's introduction to "Jack Straw"