The Grateful Dead have officially broken the record for most Billboard Top 40 albums of all time, by any act in history.
The band’s latest release, Dave’s Picks Vol. 49, debuted at #25 on this week’s Billboard 200 and marks the Dead’s 59th album in the Top 40. The group was previously tied with Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, who each have 58 Top 40 albums.
“This could be the most unlikely and unexpected record in music history, and is a testament to a few things,” said Grateful Dead Legacy Manager and Audio Archivist David Lemieux, who celebrates his 25th Anniversary with the band this year. “First and foremost is the exceptional and consistent quality of the Grateful Dead’s more than 2,000 live shows. On the heels of this is the loyalty and passion of the many Dead Heads who have made this record possible. And to top it off, the Grateful Dead have a partnership with Rhino that ensures these many album releases are produced with care, love, and respect for both the band’s music and legacy, and the Dead Heads themselves. It’s an honour and privilege to work for this community, and our aim is to keep building on this record by delivering the quality of recordings Dead Heads have come to expect for many years ahead.”
Dave’s Picks Vol. 49 features two complete Grateful Dead shows recorded at Stanford University‘s Frost Amphitheatre on 4/27/85 and 4/28/85. Like previous releases in the Dave’s Picks series, the album was produced and curated by David Lemieux. It is the 41st title to enter the Top 40 and the Grateful Dead’s 45th Top 40 record released by Rhino Entertainment. It is also the band’s first album to debut at #1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart.
Bernie Cahill, Founding Partner, Activist Artists Management and manager of the Grateful Dead reflected on the historic release, saying, “This remarkable achievement speaks not only to the genius and vision of the Grateful Dead, it is also a reminder of their truly epic live shows that reinterpreted their great American songbook every single time they took the stage! Simply put, this is another incredible milestone for a band who has never compromised, and has always done everything on their own terms.”
“It is truly remarkable to witness the Grateful Dead’s enduring legacy and profound impact,” added Mark Pinkus, President of Rhino. “Their music and culture transcend time, and this groundbreaking achievement is a testament to their ongoing influence. Rhino is honored to continue to share their meaningful and magical music with Dead Heads, both old and new.”
Never willing to rest on their laurels, the Grateful Dead are already looking to the release of Dave’s Picks Vol. 50 (Palladium, New York City – 5/3/77), in addition to 50th Anniversary reissues, high-fidelity vinyl pressings, a new season of the Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast, and more. For more information, and to order Dave’s Picks Vol. 49, visit the band’s website.
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