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Top Ten Most Popular Grateful Dead Recordings at the Internet Archive

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By Herb Greene – Billboard, page 9, 5 December 1970, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27041998

As the Grateful Dead are honored at the Kennedy Center Honors broadcast on Sunday (airing December 22 at 8:30pm ET on CBS & streaming), we’re celebrating their legacy with a look at the top ten most popular recordings in the Internet Archive’s Grateful Dead collection. Home to over 17,000 live recordings spanning decades of performances, this collection reflects the band’s rich history, their loyal taper community, and the boundless creativity of their legendary shows. From mesmerizing jams to unforgettable setlists, these recordings represent the enduring magic of the Dead—and the timeless connection between the band and their fans. Listen in and rediscover the music that has kept the Grateful Dead’s spirit alive for generations:

Top Ten Grateful Dead Live Recordings at the Internet Archive

  1. Grateful Dead Live at Barton Hall, Cornell University on 1977-05-08 (1.3M views)
  2. Grateful Dead Live at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium on 1973-06-10 (1.2M views)
  3. Grateful Dead Live at Dane County Coliseum on 1973-02-15 (1.0M views)
  4. Grateful Dead Live at The Centrum on 1987-04-03 (782k views)
  5. Grateful Dead Live at Boston Garden on 1977-05-07 (772k views)
  6. Grateful Dead Live at Swing Auditorium on 1977-02-26 (741k views)
  7. Grateful Dead Live at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium on 1977-05-09 (704k views)
  8. Grateful Dead Live at Hollywood Palladium on 1971-08-06 (555k views)
  9. Grateful Dead Live at Soldier Field on 1995-07-09 (551k views)
  10. Grateful Dead Live at Barton Hall – Cornell University on 1977-05-08 (545k views)

Eagle-eyed viewers will notice that the legendary concert at Barton Hall, Cornell University, on May 8, 1977 appears twice on the list. The collection often features multiple recordings of the same show by different tapers from different vantage points in the crowd. A note on #10 indicates that recording was made “10 Feet From Stage=Great Instrement [sic] Pickup.”

Celebrate the Grateful Dead with the Internet Archive

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This weekend, the Grateful Dead will be celebrated at the Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing their impact on music and culture. You can join in the celebration by listening to one of the 17,000 Grateful Dead concert recordings preserved at the Internet Archive.

The Grateful Dead Collection, part of the Live Music Archive, features more than 17,000 concert recordings spanning decades of the band’s live shows. The collection is a result of the Grateful Dead’s longstanding collaboration with their fans and the taper community, supporting non-commercial recording and sharing of music taped at their shows, creating an unparalleled archive of live music.

What’s the most popular Grateful Dead recording in the collection? No surprise to Dead fans, the legendary concert at Barton Hall, Cornell University, on May 8, 1977, has the most views. Listen below or here.

Whether you’re reliving a classic show or discovering their music for the first time, explore the Grateful Dead Collection to experience the sound and spirit of a band that continues to inspire. 🌹💀