Micky Hart.. Alive and the heart beat of "The Dead"

Micky Hart... One of the most influential percussionist, musicologist, and drummers around.

His parents were champion rudimental drummers.

Micky became interested in percussion in grade school. A Nigerian Drummer by the name of Babtunde Olatunji performed at his school and all the students got to try out the drums. Hart later played in the High school and in the Air force marching band. Micky became very interested in World Music.

Micky later worked for his father who owned a musical instrument shop in San Carlos, California. He later met Bill Kreutzmann one evening. In 1967 one night he sat in with Bill and The Grateful Dead and joined the band. The two of them were known as the Rhythm Devils. Their poly rhythm excursions were highlights of the Grateful Dead shows. Hart was always introducing new percussion sounds from around the world into music of the Grateful Dead. His constant study of world music and world travels led Micky to Collaborate with great Percussion Masters.

Besides working with the Grateful Dead, Hart developed into a solo artist, percussionist and wrote many books,He has composed scores, soundtracks and themes for movies and television.

In 1994 Micky was inducted with the Grateful Dead into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.

Today through July 4th, 2010 the New York Historical Society in Manhattan is is presenting an exhibition titled "The Grateful Dead: Now Playing At the New York Historical Society." Among the many Grateful Dead artifacts are two Items from Mickey Hart, a Zildjian gong and a set of Gon Bops congas.

Micky, you make "The Dead" come alive... Now.. If you can only bring Jerry back....

YouTube - Touch of Grey - Grateful Dead (87.08.16.S)