The song "Unbroken Chain" by the Grateful Dead was sung by their bassist, Phil Lesh.
Phil Lesh was not only the vocalist but also co-wrote "Unbroken Chain" with poet Bobby Petersen. This track, along with "Pride of Cucamonga," showcased Lesh's vocal contributions on the album From the Mars Hotel, released in 1974.
Phil Lesh's Vocal Contribution to the Grateful Dead
While Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir typically handled most of the lead vocal duties for the Grateful Dead, Phil Lesh stepped into the lead vocal role for specific songs. His performance on "Unbroken Chain" is particularly notable for several reasons:
- Dual Vocal Tracks: "Unbroken Chain" and "Pride of Cucamonga" were the only two songs on From the Mars Hotel where Phil Lesh sang lead vocals.
- Rare Lead Vocalist: This period marked a rare instance of Lesh taking on prominent lead vocal work for the band. After these recordings, he would not perform lead vocals for the Grateful Dead again until 1985.
- Songwriting Collaboration: Lesh's collaboration with Bobby Petersen was instrumental in crafting the lyrics and musical structure of "Unbroken Chain," making it a unique piece in the Grateful Dead's discography.
For more information on the album From the Mars Hotel and its songs, you can visit its Wikipedia page.
