For more than thirty years, Jerry Garcia was the musical and spiritual center of the Grateful Dead, one of the most popular rock bands of all time. In "Dark Star, the first biography of Garcia published since his death, Garcia is remembered by those who knew him best. Together, they explore his remarkable life: his childhood in San Francisco, the formation of his musical identity, the Dead's road to rock stardom, and his final, crushing addiction to heroin. Interviews with Jerry's wives and lovers, family members, close friends, musical partners, and cultural cohorts create a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a rock and roll icon and the price of fame.