13 best thomas friends friend gifts shirts

"Thomas & Friends" is a popular children's animated series featuring talking trains and their adventures. When it comes to "Thomas & Friends" friend gifts shirts, these are likely novelty clothing items designed for fans of the show. Here's some information about them:

  1. Design: These shirts often feature graphics, characters, and images related to "Thomas & Friends." You can expect to see familiar faces like Thomas the Tank Engine, Percy, James, and other characters from the series.

  2. Variety: "Thomas & Friends" friend gift shirts come in various styles, including short-sleeve T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and even sweatshirts. They may also be available in different colors to suit different preferences.

  3. Sizes: These shirts are typically available in a range of sizes, catering to both children and adults. You can find them in children's sizes for young fans and adult sizes for older enthusiasts.

  4. Materials: The shirts are usually made from comfortable and breathable materials like cotton or a cotton-blend, ensuring a comfortable fit for all-day wear.

  5. Themes: Depending on the design, these shirts may feature specific themes or scenes from the "Thomas & Friends" series. For example, you might find shirts that depict a favorite character in action or scenes from the Island of Sodor.

  6. Gift Options: "Thomas & Friends" friend gift shirts can make great presents for fans of the show, whether it's for a birthday, holiday, or any special occasion. They are especially popular with children who enjoy the adventures of Thomas and his friends.

  7. Licensed Merchandise: To ensure authenticity and quality, it's advisable to look for officially licensed "Thomas & Friends" merchandise when purchasing these shirts.Licensed products often feature the official logos and branding associated with the series.

  8. Online Retailers: You can find "Thomas & Friends" friend gift shirts through various online retailers, including e-commerce websites and online marketplaces. Be sure to check for customer reviews and ratings to ensure product quality.

  9. Matching Sets: Some shirts might be part of matching sets that include other clothing items like pants or pajamas, allowing fans to create a coordinated look.

In summary, "Thomas & Friends" friend gift shirts are novelty clothing items designed for fans of the popular children's animated series. They feature characters and scenes from the show and are available in various sizes and styles, making them suitable gifts for both children and adults who love the adventures of Thomas and his friends on the Island of Sodor.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best thomas friends friend gifts shirts on the market
  

Thomas & Friends Thomas The Train 3 Pack Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirts

Bentex Group, Inc.

Based on 464 reviews Check latest price
  • 100% Cotton
  • Wash cold
  • Red tee: featuring Thomas The Tank Engine puffing along on the tracks
  • Blue tee: cosplay graphic design featuring friendly Thomas smile
  • Heather grey tee: all over print Thomas design with fun train icons
  • Perfect for birthday gift, outdoor play or every day wear
  • Machine wash cold; officially licensed

Thomas & Friends Thomas The Train Boys 2 Pack Short Sleeve Tee Red/Blue

Bentex Group, Inc.

Based on 270 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Your little boy will look so cool and stylish in this Thomas the Train cute and stylish short sleeve graphic tee shirt, he will always love wearing it.

  • 100% Cotton
  • Wash cold
  • Thomas the Train toddler boys cute and stylish short sleeve graphic tee shirt
  • Screen print design with silver metallic ink and the words "Thomas The Tank Engine" and "Steam Team Go!"; Thomas the Tank Engine 2 pack red and blue short-sleeve tees featuring Thomas, Percy and Emily
  • Rib knit crew neck collar
  • Perfect for birthday gift, every day wear, Christmas holiday gift and outdoor play
  • Machine wash cold, officially licensed

Hit Entertainment Thomas The Train & Friends Toddler Boys Long Sleeve Tee

Based on 205 reviews Check latest price

Product description

With Thomas the Train it's always an adventure! This Thomas & Friends toddler long sleeve t-shirt keeps your boy stylish on his adventures! This tee shirt contains a taped ribbed-knit collar, double stitched hems, and colorful screen printed graphics of PBS Kids Thomas & Friends characters: Thomas the Train, Percy, and James! It's the perfect choice for any Thomas the Tank Engine fan! Choose your favorite, or collect them all!

  • 57% Cotton, 43% Polyester
  • Imported
  • GREAT VALUE - This Thomas the Train t-shirt is a great value. Perfect for back-to-school, or a casual day at home, this tee is a comfortable outfit choice for any Thomas the Tank Engine fan! Available in toddler boy's size 2T, 3T, 4T, and 5T.
  • FEATURING HIS FAVORITE CHARACTERS - This super cute tee is sure to bring a smile to any little one's face. This t-shirt features screen printed graphics of Thomas & Friends characters: Thomas the Tank Engine, Percy, and James!
  • COMFORTABLE & STYLISH - This long sleeve tee is made from quality materials with bright vivid colors. It is lightweight and soft and constructed from 60% cotton and 40% polyester fabric. With a taped, ribbed knit collar and double stitched hems, this shirt is sure to be a hit!
  • THE PERFECT GIFT! - Is someone's birthday coming up? Thomas the Train boy's t-shirts make the perfect birthday or Christmas gift. Why? They are comfortable, fun, and very affordable. Get your little one his own tee, or buy one for a friend to add some fun to the day!
  • PRODUCT CARE - Caring for these tees is easy. Wash them in cold water. These t-shirts are imported.

User questions & answers

Question: Does this run true to size or does it shrink or run small
Answer: I runs to size and it does gets a little shorter from the sleeves so order one size up and ince washed it will fit just a little big but better bigger than smaller.
Question: Is the design print on the shirt thick and stiff or is a soft and flexible screen print
Answer: Thick and stiff. I purchased this shirt for my son last year for his 2bd birthday and the print on the shirt is still in great condition after almost a year.

Jumping Beans Toddler Boys 2T-5T Thomas & Friends This is How We Roll Percy, Thomas & James Raglan Tee

Jumping Beans

Based on 375 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Toddler Boys Jumping Beans Thomas & Friends "This Is How We Roll" Percy, Thomas & James Raglan Tee

  • Machine Wash
  • Crewneck
  • Short raglan sleeves
  • Percy, Thomas & James graphics
  • Cotton, polyester
  • Machine wash

Thomas & Friends Short Sleeve Tee (4T, Navy/Blue Thomas)

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Help Thomas & Friends in their adventures wearing this awesome short sleeved toddler tee! This cotton top is perfect for any Thomas the Train fanatic! These t-shirts feature screen printed images of Hit Entertainment's Thomas & Friends characters: Thomas, Percy, and James! These shirts are perfect for any Thomas the Tank Engine fan! Choose one or collect them all!

  • 100% Cotton
  • Imported
  • Extra soft, easy to care for; Short sleeves
  • Screen printed graphics; Taped, Ribbed-knit collar
  • Double stitched hems; Heat seal tag
  • Features Thomas & Friends characters: Thomas the Tank Engine Train, Percy, and James!

Hit Entertainment Thomas The Train & Friends Toddler Boys Short Sleeve Tee

Based on 272 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Help Thomas & Friends in their adventures wearing this awesome short sleeved toddler tee! This cotton top is perfect for any Thomas the Train fanatic! These t-shirts feature screen printed images of Hit Entertainment's Thomas & Friends characters: Thomas, Percy, and James! These shirts are perfect for any Thomas the Tank Engine fan! Choose one or collect them all!

  • 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester
  • Imported
  • GREAT VALUE - This Yankee Toy Box exclusive Thomas the Train t-shirt is a great value. Perfect for back-to-school, or a casual day at home, this tee is a comfortable outfit choice for any Thomas the Tank Engine fan! Available in toddler boy's size 2T, 3T, 4T, and 5T.
  • FEATURING HIS FAVORITE CHARACTERS - This super cute tee is sure to bring a smile to any little one's face. This t-shirt features screen printed graphics of Thomas & Friends characters: Thomas the Tank Engine, Percy, and James!
  • COMFORTABLE & STYLISH - This short sleeve tee is made from quality materials with bright vivid colors. It is lightweight and soft and constructed from 60% cotton and 40% polyester fabric. With a taped, ribbed knit collar and double stitched hems, this shirt is sure to be a hit!
  • THE PERFECT GIFT! - Is someone's birthday coming up? Thomas and Friends boy's t-shirts make the perfect birthday or Christmas gift. Why? They are comfortable, fun, and very affordable. Get your little one his own tee, or buy one for a friend to add some fun to the day!
  • PRODUCT CARE - Caring for these tees is easy. Wash them in cold water. These t-shirts are imported.

User questions & answers

Question: What material is this made of? 100% cotton
Answer: The Tee is 60% cotton and 40% polyester.

COOFANDY Men's Fashion Slim Fit Dress Shirt Casual Shirt

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price
  • Cotton blend
  • Button closure
  • Material: Cotton Blend, very high quality
  • Features: Solid pattern,Long Sleeve, Turn Down Neck, COOFANDY provides the coolest and stylist button down shirt which makes you more fashion and handsome
  • Suitable for: This mens shirt with many kind of colors can be fitted in most Casual,Business Work,Dating and Party occasions. Perfect gift for families, friends or boyfriend
  • Good quality cotton, men fashion stylish shirts which also feels comfortable, please wash it before wearing
  • Brand: Coofandy, Made in Zeagoo Group Limited. The shirts size is USA size, Please check product description before ordering to ensure accurate fitting. Size X-Large and Size XX-Large run small,we suggest you Ordering one size larger than your typical size in a US store.

User questions & answers

Question: Good afternoon, can you tell me if the size 3 xl, I need shoulder to shoulder has 56 centimeters, I do not know how many inches is that
Answer: not exactly in inches but I would suggest to size up . Since these shirts run slim.
Question: The shirt in the photos looks very tight-fitting. my husband wants an easy (not tight) fit. he wears xl because of his barrel chest. any ideas
Answer: I got this for my husband in a 2X, he is 230LB 6f. The pic makes it look like its narrow in the waist, but its not. I am sure he will look nice, if not most are free returns
Question: Hai I'm 5'7" tall and 160 pounds what size I need
Answer: I'm 5'9 and 175 I would say 2 size bigger
Question: I normally wear a size 18 18-1/2, 36/37 sleeve. i like the slim fit style. i weight about 285. what size should i get for this style dress shirt
Answer: I guess XXL. The sleeves are 36/37. I bought XL and I’m 212 lbs. 17 1/2 collar. It fits me great

Product features

For Fit, Comfort, And Elegant

Craftsmanship is key to our success, which has remained in the hands of Coofandy since 2008. Today, the brand continues to produce the impeccably-cut tailoring it has long been renowned for, alongside more casual pieces for daytime wear, enabling the discerning gent to build a high quality wardrobe that will seamlessly transition from weekday to weekend.

Elegant Shirt For Any Social Settings

Coofandy brings a touch of elegance to this casual button down shirts by adding classic paisley on inner collar and cuffs, using natural fibre, soft colors and simple structures, each piece exudes luxury while remaining completely practical.

Brought originally in classic shades of black, white and gray, this Coofandy casual button down shirt has the ability to add a casual lean to an otherwise formal outfit or dress up a relaxed chinos combination. The high quality fabric also offers a better wearing experience, perfect for day to night. Wear it with some slacks to the office and throw on some jeans at night for drinks with the guys. Whatever the occasion is, this classic shirt will be your best choice.

Hassle-Free Care

Whether you have your shirts pressed at the cleaner, or prefer to do it yourself at home, caring for our Coofandy shirts is a breeze. If you like to put your shirts in the washer and dryer, you'll love how these come out looking — just toss the shirt on and be on your way.

Exquisite Paisley Printing

Featureing button down closure, and deliacte paisley printing on inner collar and cuff, makes this shirt from ordinary to extraordinary

Contrast Colored Buttons

Unique button design, inadvertently reveal your elitism all the time

Sophisticated Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship makes the difference between a good shirt and a great one, you will see that through all the details

High Quality Material

Premium cotton and blend ensure best wearing experience. Wrinkle free tech, no need to iron

Cute Warning May Spontaneously Talk About Trains Shirt Gift

Cool Refined Addicted To Trains Design T-shirts

Based on 120 reviews Check latest price

Product description

See this "Warning I May Spontaneously Talk About Trains" shirt? It can fit adults, children and little ones. Get this shirt now and make your model train enthusiast the happiest!

  • Solid colors: 100% Cotton; Heather Grey: 90% Cotton, 10% Polyester; All Other Heathers: 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester
  • Imported
  • Machine wash cold with like colors, dry low heat
  • Have you been working in Railway Company for years? Do you love train watching or just a simple train buff? This warning about trains' shirt is perfect for men, women, dads and moms who love steam locomotives, freight trains, train tracks or model trains.
  • Little boys, girls, kids and toddlers who love playing toy trains won't look funny wearing this in an automobile themed birthday party. Send this as Christmas presents to train lover, rail fan, locomotive lover, train conductor or train spotter friends.
  • Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem

Children Gray Young Wild Three Birthday Brother Twin Letter Print T-Shirts

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • Hand Wash
  • This 3rd birthday shirt is handmade, Great quality and fit. The design is adjusted according to the shirt size.
  • Boy Birthday Shirt - This adorable Young Wild and Three Boy 3rd Birthday Shirt is absolutely perfect for your toddler boy birthday outfit
  • High quality and professional print - It doesn't just look high quality, it is high quality!
  • Great 3-year-old birthday gift idea. 3rd birthday Present for son or Grandson.
  • This Young Wild and Three shirt for Toddler Girls brithday outfit is perfect for any boho birthday party or theme

User questions & answers

Question: Are shirts preshrunk
Answer: No they are true to size
Question: are the sizes true to Carter's sizes
Answer: I would say it is close but I erred on the side of caution. My son was just wearing 4T clothes on his 3nd birthday ( they looked a little loose). I ordered. 4T for him and it fit great. He is on the taller side but more average for weight.
Question: Info on website says sizes 2t, 3t and 4t run small. is that true
Answer: They run pretty true to size in my opinion.
Question: It says dry clean recommended on the tag. Has anyone had any issues with washing and drying at home
Answer: I even had no issues and wash atleast once a week.

Waldeal Boys' Too Many Trains Short Sleeve T-Shirts Kids Graphic Tee Toddler

Based on 150 reviews Check latest price
  • 100% Cotton
  • Imported
  • Pull On closure
  • Hand Wash
  • Cute Cartoon Tee For Kids/Toddler -- 2 Toddler, 3Toddler, 4Toddler, 5-6 Toddler please check before order
  • Premium Material -- 100% Cotton soft and cozy touch, lightweight and comfortable, I love Toy Trains T Shirt. Children love trains model, play trasn with friends, perfect toddler boys gift for a birthday, holiday, Christmas, Halloween...
  • Comfortable And Durable -- Ribbed crew neckline, Short Sleeve Top, Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeves and hem, print graphic on front, personalized party costume

User questions & answers

Question: I want to girder a size 5-6 but don’t know how to order the right size
Answer: hello thank you for your question, kids 5t t shirt size length 19.09 inch, width 14.96 inch, sleeve length 5.5 inch, width 5.11 inch
Question: Why are there pictures of long sleeves on the product? Is it short sleeve? Is there a long sleeve option
Answer: We are sorry, this is short sleeve, this variation has long and short sleeve before, according to Amazon policy, we split them all, but the product detail picture update delay, apologize sincerely, here are long sleeve link: https://www.amazon.com/Arromper-Trains-Sleeve-T-Shirts-Toddler/dp/B078YRTV77/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=trains&m=AXCZRPY03J35L&qid=1609116738&s=merchant-items&sr=1-1

Aileen Wuornos Monster Serial Killer True Crime Selby Wall Thomas Gift for Men Women Girls Unisex T-Shirt

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Aileen Wuornos Monster Serial Killer True Crime Selby Wall Thomas graphic tee-shirt gift for men women girls Unisex T-Shirt Sweatshirt Hoodie Printed at USA, shipped from USA. Perfect idea for Halloween, Birthday, Father Day, Mother Day and other occasions. Looks like you like to buy this shirt, this shirt will be a present for your father, mother, son, daughter or brother,friend, dad, mom, wife, husband, brother, sister

  • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (heather colors contain polyester). Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
  • Printed at USA, shipped from USA.
  • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
  • 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: We have many great designs about funny quotes, hobbies, pets, professions. we differentiate ourselves by providing high quality at affordable prices.Get your humor mode on with our funny shirts. You or your friend will be proud when wear our awesome designed shirts that present your personality.
  • THE PERFECT GIFT: fun tshirt, Great for Holiday gifts, birthdays or just to treat yourself to a ideas graphic teetshirt. This is great amazing gift for father mom sister and brother. They will happy because of loving it

Sunshine Mountain Tees Boys Valentines Day Train Shirt

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This is an incredibly soft, 100% cotton, awesome t shirt. Printed by hand using eco-friendly inks with a soft feel. This soft and durable shirt is pre-shrunk and runs true to size.

  • 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester
  • Wonderfully soft, vintage feel, high quality shirt.
  • These shirts run true to size.
  • Blended Fabric: 60% cotton, 40% polyester.
  • Professionally screen printed using soft, high quality, eco-friendly inks.

Ripple Junction Grateful Dead Tour 74 Vintage Light Weight Crew T-Shirt

Ripple Junction

Based on 988 reviews Check latest price
  • 100% Cotton
  • Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low, do not bleach, do not iron
  • Officially Licensed: To ensure you are purchasing an officially licensed Grateful Dead product by Ripple Junction, look for “Sold by Ripple Junction” under the add to cart button
  • Material: 100% cotton that is super soft for your comfort
  • Printed image: Grateful Dead Steely or Steel Your Face logo vintage Tour '74
  • Fun Fact: The Steel Your Face logo was designed by Owsley Stanley and Bob Thomas and first used as an identification of their band equipment.
  • Washing Instructions: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low, do not bleach, do not iron.

User questions & answers

Question: I am looking for a similar shirt but with the year 1970 printed on it. Do you have any or can you recommend? Thanks
Answer: No I was happy to find this shirt was a gift to my best friend huge dead fan
Question: What size would fit a 42 inch chest
Answer: Large
Question: If my husband is usually an xl should i order the xxl since it’s unisex
Answer: Yea I would. I wear an xxl it’s a little small for me.
Question: Is this shirt super soft
Answer: Yes the shirt is soft

Product features

Bertha

Skull and Roses have been featured in Grateful Dead artwork throughout their career. Inspired by a drawing by Edmund Joseph Sullivan from the 1913 edition of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, Alton Kelley and Stanley Mouse rendered the original draft, a skeleton with a crown of roses holding rose wreaths. The design first appeared on a poster in San Francisco for Dead shows at the Avalon Ballroom in 1966. It became famous when it was used as the cover for the untitled live album Grateful Dead (1971). The album was published without a title after a dispute with the record company over the name, but became widely known as “Skull and Roses” because of the iconic cover art. The rose-wigged skeleton is often referred to as “Bertha,” the first track on the album.

Dancing Bears

The Dancing Bears made their artistic debut in 1973 as part of the album art for History of the Grateful Dead, Volume One – Bear's Choice. Drawn by Bob Thomas, the bears are a reference to Owsley “Bear” Stanley, the soundman for Grateful Dead and producer of the album. The bears are often referred to as the “Dancing” Bears, but they are actually marching. Bear himself has said: "The bears on the album cover are not really 'dancing'. I don't know why people think they are; their positions are quite obviously those of a high-stepping march.” Whether they are dancing or marching, Deadheads fell in love with the colorful bears. They seem to represent what the culture is all about: Music, dancing, laughing, and marching arm in arm together showing solidarity as well as individuality.

Steal Your Face

The Skull and Lightning bolt emblem, originally created for a practical use, grew into one of Grateful Dead’s most recognizable symbols. The concept started with Owsley “Bear” Stanley when he was inspired by a freeway sign that stood out to him. He wanted to brand the group’s musical equipment so it could be easily identified during concerts with multiple bands. He shared the idea with artist Bob Thomas, and the first design was drafted in 1969. After some evolving, it contains a white skull (known as Stealie) and 13-point lightning bolt along with an alternating red and blue color scheme. Even though the symbol was used previously, it became known as the “Steal Your Face Skull” after it was featured on the cover of the album Steal Your Face.

Dancing Terrapins

Debuting in 1977, the Dancing Terrapins first appeared on the cover of Terrapin Station. Alton Kelley and Stanley Mouse collaborated again to develop the cover art. In the song, terrapin is referenced as a location: “Some rise; some fall; some climb; to get to terrapin.” The cover is more of a literal visualization of Terrapin Station, featuring two dancing terrapins playing banjo and tambourine next to railroad tracks. In many mythologies, turtles are associated with the cosmos and Earth, often depicted as supporting the world on his shell. The terrapins are a reminder of how lucky we are to be here and alive, showing that sometimes the best thing to do is to slow down, sing, dance, and enjoy the experience.

Woodstock '69

Woodstock is one of the most pivotal moments in rock and roll history. Attracting more than 400,000 music lovers, people from all over flooded to Bethel, New York in the summer of 1969 to celebrate peace and music over the 3-day party. The festival became a muddy mess with inadequate food, facilities and sanitation. Despite this, 32 acts performed including Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, and Grateful Dead. The rain-soaked stage caused major problems for the band, as Grateful Dead members were being electrocuted by their instruments. Known as one of the best live bands of all time, this performance fell well short of expectations. Weir: “Some people made their careers at Woodstock, but we’ve spent about 20 years making up for it [laughs]. It was probably the worst set we’ve ever performed.”

Festival Express '70

Originally called Trans Continental Pop Festival, the Festival Express left the station in the summer of 1970. The Canadian tour was headlined by Janis Joplin, The Band, and Grateful Dead playing in Toronto, Winnipeg, and Calgary. Instead of flying to each tour stop, the bands traveled by train leading to non-stop jam sessions and partying. They were met with protesters when arriving in Toronto due to high ticket prices, seen as promoter greed. Jerry Garcia quelled the crowd by arranging a free concert in nearby Coronation Park upon a flatbed truck. The tour was a financial failure, but it featured great performances. The tour was immortalized in the documentary Festival Express that premiered at the 2003 Toronto International Film Festival.

Cornell '77

While there will always be debate, the performance at Cornell University’s Barton Hall in Ithaca, New York on May 8th, 1977 is widely considered one of Grateful Dead’s best shows. The setlist is legendary, including standouts Scarlet Begonias -> Fire on the Mountain, where Phil Lesh’s bass melted faces during the opening riff and St. Stephen-> Not Fade Away -> St. Stephen. Only to be followed by a 14-minute version of Morning Dew, in which Garcia masterfully executed. One of the reasons this performance became so revered was the great sound quality of the tapes, recorded by Betty Cantor-Jackson. Original “Betty Boards” finally surfaced after a storage unit auction which included the famous Cornell recording. At last, Cornell 5/8/77 the live album was officially released on the show’s 40-year anniversary.

Egypt '78

In the shadow of the Sphinx and Great Pyramid, Grateful Dead performed three shows in Giza, Egypt in September of 1978. Bassist Phil Lesh took the lead in planning the event along with band manager Richard Loren. Lesh wanted to play at a place of power: “Power that's been preserved from the ancient world.” There was some trouble staging the show, from an equipment truck getting stuck in sand and having to be towed out by camels to recording issues during the first show, but the wonder of the event offset any negative vibes. During the final show, a total lunar eclipse took place, really encapsulating the whole experience. In 2008, the band released Rocking the Cradle: Egypt 1978, a live album composed of songs from nights two and three for the 30th anniversary of the event.

Workingman's Dead

Workingman’s Dead is the fourth studio album by Grateful Dead. Released in June of 1970, it was recorded back to back with companion album American Beauty. The majority of the album was written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter. They utilized an Americana, folk-band style that was different than the psychedelic, electrified tone of previous albums. According to drummer Bill Kreutzmann, the album was influenced by the Bakersfield sound, a genre of country music that was significantly influenced by rock and roll. Garcia had purchased a steel guitar while on tour the previous year and was keen on using it for this album. The album opens with the highly acclaimed Uncle John’s Band along with popular tracks Dire Wolf, Cumberland Blues, and Casey Jones. Rolling Stone readers voted it the best album of 1970.

American Beauty

American Beauty is the fifth Grateful Dead studio album. Released in November of 1970, it continued the bluegrass, folk-rock stylings of Workingman’s Dead that was released earlier in the year. Like Workingman’s Dead, most of the album was written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter. While recording the album at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, they were around Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young and other artists creating a “jammer heaven.” You can hear their influence on the band and album through folk melodies and vocal harmonization. The album title has a double meaning, referring to Americana style of music and the rose ‘American Beauty’ featured on its cover. Box of Rain opens side one, flowing right into Friend of the Devil, while side two starts with Ripple and finishes with Truckin’.

Europe '72

Europe ‘72 is a live triple album composed of songs recorded from Grateful Dead’s European tour in the spring of 1972 showcasing live favorites and new songs like Jack Straw and Brown Eyed Women. It was the last album to feature Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, one of the founding members, who died after its release. Originally recorded to recoup the expensive costs of the tour, it received commercial and critical success. Starting in London, the band made stops in Denmark, Germany, France, Netherlands, and Luxembourg, concluding the tour back in London. Their crew grew to 43 members who became known as the “Grateful Dead Family.” While it features songs from previous albums like Truckin’ and Sugar Magnolia, they are transformed into new performances with their improvisations.

In the Dark

After a 7-year hiatus from recording studio albums, Grateful Dead released their twelfth in July of 1987 with In the Dark. They had been playing the songs for several years prior to recording, allowing them to be matured and perfected. The band took a more comfortable approach when recording, playing in a darkened theatre with the same lighting they would use on tour, but with no audience. Reaching No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart, it gained unexpected popularity and became the band’s only top ten album. It was led by the band’s only top 40 single, Touch of Grey, peaking at No. 9 as well as frequenting MTV with its music video. This mainstream success brought on a new set of fans referred to as “Touchheads.” This led to the “Mega-Dead” period where they began to sell out stadiums, a mixed blessing for some hardcore fans.

Fire on the Mountain

Fire on the Mountain was composed by drummer Mickey Hart. An instrumental version titled Happiness is Drumming appeared in 1976 on the album Diga by Hart’s other band, Diga Rhythm Band. With lyrics written by Robert Hunter added, the song evolved into Fire on the Mountain. The song’s catchy rhythm was a perfect complement to Jerry Garcia’s playful guitar style. It was released on Grateful Dead’s Shakedown Street in November of 1978, even though the band was performing it live the year prior. It is often improvised and coupled with Scarlet Begonias during live shows, the pair being referred to as Scarlet Fire. The eternal partnership was immortalized by the 25-minute version performed at the famous Cornell University show on May 8th, 1977.

Ripple

“Ripple in still water; When there is no pebble tossed; Nor wind to blow.” Another successful collaboration between Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia, Ripple was released on American Beauty in 1970. Garcia enlisted David Grisman to play mandolin on the track and Friend of the Devil from the same album. Fans have noted connections between the lyrics of Ripple and various religions and philosophies. Some lines are compared to Psalm 23 from the Bible, while the refrain has a Zen Kōan feel to it. Even the chorus is written in a haiku-esk format. No matter the interpretation, it always has a profound effect on the listener. Maybe so profound that two fans even start their own T-shirt company and pay tribute to inspirational track with the company name.

Dark Star

Dark Star started as an unassuming single released in 1968 that failed to sell 500 copies but became one of Grateful Dead’s most revered and mythical songs. The single was under 3 minutes long, much different than their live performances that could see Dark Star played for 20 to 30 minutes. Dark Star is the opening track on Live/Dead, the band’s first live album and is regarded as the very definition of the band’s early improvisational music with its blending of psychedelia, jazz, and jam elements. After 1973, the track fell out of regular rotation at their concerts. Catching a show that had a Dark Star performance became the “Holy Grail” for Deadheads. It is one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll as well as No. 57 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time.

Uncle John's Band

The opening track of Workingman’s Dead, Uncle John’s Band is a bluegrass-folk arrangement with acoustic guitar and close harmony vocalization. Grateful Dead added the song to setlists in late 1969 and released it as a single prior to Workingman’s Dead. While the single did not garner huge success, it was the band’s first chart hit and attempt to reach mainstream audiences beyond their cult following. Though already an underground legend for their live shows, this was the first time many had heard the band. The identity of “Uncle John” has spawned many theories, from blues musician Mississippi John Hurt to John Cohen from the New Lost City Ramblers. Regardless of the inspiration, Uncles John’s Band is one of their most well-known songs and included on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

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