Happy Valentine’s Day: Grateful Dead Love Songs Playlist

Among the many themes touched upon by the Grateful Dead in the lyrics of songs they performed is one of the most common themes found in music: love. Both in originals and covers, the Dead often sang about the joys and pains associated with love.

For many, the theme for today — Valentine’s Day — is also focused on those we love. In celebration of the sweetheart holiday, below is a playlist of love songs performed live by the Grateful Dead throughout their career.

Co-founding keyboardist Ron “Pigpen” McKernan fronts the Dead on several favorites such as covers of “Hard To Handle,” “Hurts Me Too” and his signature “Turn On Your Lovelight,” as well as originals like “The Stranger (Two Souls In Communion)” and “Empty Pages.” Vocalist Donna Jean Godchaux takes a turn singing lead on her original “From The Heart Of Me.” Keyboardist Brent Mydland leads the band on a “Gimme Some Lovin’” cover, as well as his heartfelt “Easy To Love You” and “Just A Little Light” and heartbreaking “Blow Away.”

Guitarist Bob Weir takes the reigns on his “Looks Like Rain,” “Black-Throated Wind” and “Sugar Magnolia” along with covers of “Good Lovin’” and “El Paso.” Guitarist Jerry Garcia handles lead vocals on several additional originals and covers, such as “They Love Each Other,” “Althea,” “Foolish Heart” in the former category and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” “Second That Emotion,” “She Belongs To Me” and “Peggy-O” from the latter.

Stream the Grateful Dead’s Love Songs Spotify Playlist below:

[Updated from orginal article published February 14, 2015]