Mickey Hart expanded the definition of what rhythm could mean in rock music — not just pulse, but heartbeat, history, and cosmic vibration. As one of the two drummers powering the Grateful Dead, he helped build the band’s tidal, polyrhythmic engine, weaving global percussion traditions into psychedelic improvisation and thunderous, tribal grooves. Hart’s lifelong exploration of world music, sacred rhythm, and sonic archaeology led to groundbreaking work with Planet Drum, Smithsonian Folkways, and deep collaborations across cultures and genres. Whether behind a drum kit, surrounded by ancient hand drums, or sculpting sound in The Beam, Mickey plays like an explorer — listening for the pulse of the earth, the stars, and the music waiting between them.
