At Grateful Web, we honor Herb Greene—a visionary photographer whose lens captured the very soul of the counterculture era and the enduring spirit of the Grateful Dead. Herb’s work was much more than images on paper; it chronicled a transformative time in music and art. His photographs, from the intimate moments in his San Francisco home studio to the iconic hieroglyphic wall that became a symbol of psychedelic creativity, immortalized the energy, passion, and camaraderie of an era that continues to inspire.

Now, gather 'round, friends of Grateful Web, and let me spin you a sweet little tale ‘bout a woman whose voice rang out like a midnight train thundering through a sleepy Texas town. We’re talkin’ Janis Joplin, born on this very day back in 1943, down in Port Arthur, Texas. She was a soul on fire—like a blazing meteor streaking through the music sky—only the heavens never quite got over the brightness she brought.

For over 150 years, Epiphone has been a leading innovator in instrument design. By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the future, Epiphone has set the stage for the next era of sound for present and future generations. Epiphone is proud to continue its longest signature artist partnership with the legendary bass player, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, and founding member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, Jack Casady.

"One More Lifetime," the new recording by John Hurlbut and Jorma Kaukonen, "…is more than exciting – it is the stuff of dreams!" muses Jorma Kaukonen. The album is replete with Jorma and John’s musical history and friendship. The picking is stellar, and the singing is soulful. In addition to several classics like Dylan’s “I’ll Remember You” and Woody Guthrie’s “Pastures of Plenty,” they included two of John Hurlbut’s originals, “Day in the Country” and “Lazy Saint.”

On this day, January 11th, 2024, we at Grateful Web celebrate what would have been Albert Hofmann's birthday. His serendipitous discovery of LSD not only revolutionized the field of psychopharmacology but also left an indelible mark on the cultural and musical landscapes of the 20th century.

Jorma Kaukonen, a luminary in American rock and blues, boasts a career that intertwines with significant musical movements and personal artistic endeavors. Celebrating his 83rd birthday today, December 23rd, 2023, it's an opportune moment to delve into his rich and varied journey in music, emphasizing his pivotal roles in Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, as well as his commendable solo ventures.

Last Thursday night, the Paramount Theatre in Denver, Colorado became the setting for the world to bid farewell to the electric configuration of the legendary group Hot Tuna. Forming in 1969 and powered by the renowned chemistry of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, Hot Tuna originally came together as a side project to the duo’s full-time gig in Jefferson Airplane.

On Saturday, October 14, a loving and celebratory, 200-guest Station Hall audience at Jorma Kaukonen’s famous eastern Ohio guitar camp, Fur Peace Ranch, cheered on the guitar legend and his Hot Tuna bandmates Jack Casady and Justin Guip through a passionate, late-afternoon concert of electric blues, ballads and tougher stuff.

For the lovers of classic San Fran rock, echoes of history, and the spirit of giving, December 2nd, 2023 is a date to mark on your calendars. In a stirring tribute to a moment that shaped music history, Jack and Jorma will return to the Fillmore in San Francisco, the very stage where, 58 years prior, they ignited the audience as members of the Jefferson Airplane during Bill Graham's inaugural show.

When you hear the name Jorma your mind completely overloads with memories of a distant time and place. You cannot help but relive the sounds of the '60s and '70s. This was an era of movement through music that has left an undeniable and unforgettable impression on humanity, social awareness, and musical culture that spans this big round spinning sphere. I really have no idea where to begin other than to convey my deepest respect to Jorma Kaukonen. He is a pioneering father figure of the San Francisco psychedelic musical awakening.