Donna Jean Godchaux

Donna Jean Godchaux (born 1947) was the Grateful Dead’s primary female vocalist from 1972 through 1979. A Muscle Shoals session singer before joining the Dead, she brought gospel-trained backing vocals to Europe ’72 and Wake of the Flood. Her on-stage chemistry with the band (and occasional on-stage conflict) remains one of the most discussed aspects of the Dead’s classic era. Articles cover her vocal contributions, her relationship with Keith, and her later career in the Donna Jean Godchaux Band.