This year has been a challenging one for rock & roll enthusiasts, as we’ve bid farewell to several iconic figures in the genre.
Adding to the list of losses, the music world mourns the passing of Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, the only woman to ever join the lineup of the legendary Grateful Dead. She passed away in Nashville at the age of 78, following a battle with cancer.
Her family shared the somber news in a heartfelt statement.
Donna, along with her then-husband and pianist Keith Godchaux, was an integral part of the Grateful Dead from 1971 to 1979. Beyond her work with the band, she lent her vocal talents as a backup singer for legends such as Elvis Presley and Percy Sledge.
Donna’s remarkable vocal contributions can be heard on several Grateful Dead tracks. Notably, she shines on the 1977 rock-opera album “Terrapin Station” with the standalone track “Sunrise.”
Donna’s family released a statement:
Additionally, her voice graces the 1978 album “Shakedown Street” with the song “From The Heart of Me,” showcasing her distinctive style and talent.
Donna and her then-husband and pianist Keith Godchaux performed with the Grateful Dead from 1971 to 1979. She also worked as a backup singer for Elvis Presley and Percy Sledge.
Here are a couple of samples of her great vocals from her time with the Grateful Dead; first, from the 1977 rock-opera album Terrapin Station, comes the stand-alone song, Sunrise.
And, from the 1978 album Shakedown Street, comes From The Heart of Me:
She had a great voice that fit really well with the Grateful Dead’s style, both live and in the studio.
