Phil Lesh, the bassist and founding member of the Grateful Dead, died on Friday morning at the age of 84. A classically trained violinist and jazz trumpeter, Lesh found his true calling reinventing the role of rock bass guitar. His death was announced on his official Instagram account, stating that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Lesh was the oldest and one of the longest-surviving members of the iconic San Francisco band, and he co-wrote some of their most beloved songs, including "Box of Rain." His pioneering spirit and deep, soulful playing influenced generations of musicians and left a lasting legacy in American music.
