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Miles Archer

(21,187 posts) Mon Nov 3, 2025, 12:52 PM Nov 3

R.I.P., the Grateful Dead's Donna Jean Godchaux [View all]

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/donna-jean-godchaux-obituary/

Donna Jean Godchaux, who sang with the Grateful Dead from 1972 to 1979, has died.

Godchaux died on Nov. 2 at a Nashville hospice. According to a statement, Godchaux had a "lengthy struggle with cancer."

"She was a sweet and warmly beautiful spirit, and all those who knew her are united in loss," the statement noted. "The family requests privacy at this time of grieving. In the words of Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, 'May the four winds blow her safely home.'"

Born in Florence, Alabama, Godchaux was a backing singer on recording sessions from the state's famous Muscle Shoals music scene.

17 replies

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Highlight:

R.I.P., the Grateful Dead's Donna Jean Godchaux [View all] Miles Archer Nov 3 OP

Donna Jean Godchaux on joining the Grateful Dead and meeting Keith Godchaux LuckyCharms Nov 3 #1

That was really interesting. LC. OAITW r.2.0 Nov 3 #4

You bet, OAITW. LuckyCharms Nov 3 #9

Rest in music... SheltieLover Nov 3 #2

She had a beautiful voice. OAITW r.2.0 Nov 3 #3

The chronology... Miles Archer Nov 3 #5

I gotta find out, but I saw the Dead and New Riders at the Old Boston Garden - fall of 71. OAITW r.2.0 Nov 3 #11

Bill Graham introduction. Great American Music Hall. 1975 LuckyCharms Nov 3 #6

Yeah, I love that whole show, especially the intro Miles Archer Nov 3 #7

An invite only show...I think around 400 people? LuckyCharms Nov 3 #8

If you don't have the 50th Anniversary Blues For Allah album, I think you may want it... Miles Archer Nov 3 #14

Thanks for this, Miles. n/t LuckyCharms Nov 3 #15

Bill was good at intros. OAITW r.2.0 Nov 3 #12

She sang backup on Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" LuckyCharms Nov 3 #10

Intersting....it had to have been that Muscle Shoals connection. OAITW r.2.0 Nov 3 #13

I'm not sure about studio work, but I know he played in... LuckyCharms Nov 3 #16

You are a fountain of knowledge with all things Dead my friend. OAITW r.2.0 Nov 3 #17