Music writer and historian John Brackett, author of the newly released book Touch of Grey, or How the Grateful Dead Became Pop Stars, will detail the creation of The Grateful Dead's 1987 hit, "Touch of Grey," and their music video’s connection to Monterey County at this free multimedia presentation on August 26 at 6pm in California’s First Theater. Doors open at 5:45pm. Register here - space is limited.

Come hear the story of how one song transformed the legacy of one of rock’s most iconic musical groups! Following the presentation, Brackett will be available to answer questions and sign copies of his book, which you may purchase at the event.

About the Talk

After two decades of being a countercultural music force, San Francisco’s the Grateful Dead reached a new level of fame with the release of their song “A Touch of Grey” in 1987. The band’s accompanying music video included live footage from a 1987 concert at Laguna Seca Raceway and received major airplay on MTV, resulting in a new generation of fans.

About John Brackett's New Book

Drawing on extensive archival research, Touch of Grey examines how The Grateful Dead and their recording label worked to produce a hit record, a dynamic music video, and an effective promotional campaign that would propel the band from a group with a devoted cult following to become a pop culture phenomenon.

Brackett details how particular recording technologies, notable musical characteristics, modes of attending and listening, and the mechanics of the contemporary music industry shaped this defining moment in the group’s career.