While driving down an East Texas country road I spotted this scene. The autumn trees and the late afternoon sun made these golden bales of hay shine just a little bit more. Fortunately I had my camera with me. (c) James Q. Eddy Jr.

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Grateful Dead fans tell NPR how the band first hooked them

NPR | By Sarah Robbins,

Rob Schmitz, Felix Contreras, Alejandra Marquez Janse

Published August 9, 2026 at 4:27 PM CDT

NPR's Felix Contreras explains why this summer was different than most for Grateful Dead fans around the country, and what Deadheads told him about why they got hooked on the band.

Sarah Robbins

Rob Schmitz

Rob Schmitz is NPR's international correspondent based in Berlin.

Felix Contreras

Felix Contreras is co-creator and co-host of Alt.Latino, NPR's pioneering radio show and podcast celebrating Latin music and culture since 2010.

Alejandra Marquez Janse

Alejandra Marquez Janse is an assistant producer for NPR's evening news program All Things Considered.