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, Minnesota. Also new keyboardist Keith Godchaux's first show.
In the song's earliest performances (c. 1971–72), Weir sang all of the vocals. On the Europe 72 Tour at The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam on 5-10-72 Weir and Jerry Garcia began switching up 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"