We explore the Beatlesque optimism of “Here Comes Sunshine,” its roots in the Vanport flood of 1948, & the story of the brand-new custom Doug Irwin guitar Jerry Garcia debuted on Wake of the Flood.
by Jesse Jarnow
The song that gave Wake of the Flood its name has its roots in the great Vanport flood of 1948, an event witnessed by 6-year old Robert Burns, later known as Robert Hunter. It was an event so newsworthy that it prompted Woody Guthrie to write a ballad about it (from his home in Brooklyn), recently revived by Ben Hunter and Joe Seamon. There is much scholarship around the Vanport flood, including several documentaries, though Robert Hunter’s take is entirely personal.
Thank you immensely to the Retro Photo Archive for sharing the wonderful interviews Jon Sievert conducted with Jerry Garcia and Doug Irwin in 1977 and 1978, and to David Gans for providing the interview with the late Dick Latvala.
Our guests Bruce Hornsby, Scott Metzger, and Alex Bleeker probably all have shows soon. Taper’s Choice recently released The History of Taper’s Choice Vol. 1 (Taper’s Choice), with a title reference that many Dead freaks might recognize.
Comment
Norman 10/11/77
Jesse -
While I think there are still a few tracks outstanding, Dick's choice of October 11, 1977 has come to fruition in part: it provides the "filler" on Dick's 29 - the 6-disc 2-show + '77 Extravaganza - and as part of Road Trips Vol. 1 no. 2. It holds a special place in my heart not only because it was exactly one month to the day after I was born, but also because it's the only time I know of that they played my alma mater. Loving this season (as I have the previous 7) and can't wait to hear what else you've got in store. And there's a heck of a Help > Slip > Frankin's.
Take Care,
Bennett Starnes
Washington, DC
Jesse -
While I think there are still a few tracks outstanding, Dick's choice of October 11, 1977 has come to fruition in part: it provides the "filler" on Dick's 29 - the 6-disc 2-show + '77 Extravaganza - and as part of Road Trips Vol. 1 no. 2. It holds a special place in my heart not only because it was exactly one month to the day after I was born, but also because it's the only time I know of that they played my alma mater. Loving this season (as I have the previous 7) and can't wait to hear what else you've got in store. And there's a heck of a Help > Slip > Frankin's.
Take Care,
Bennett Starnes
Washington, DC