The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. Known for their unique fusion of rock, folk, country, jazz, bluegrass, and psychedelic music, they gained a massive following for their improvisational live performances and unique sound. The band's members, notably Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Phil Lesh, significantly contributed to their distinctive style. Their most influential works include the albums "Workingman's Dead" and "American Beauty". The Grateful Dead's impact on the music and counterculture scene has made them a lasting symbol of the 1960s and 70s.