The long strange history of “Casey Jones” by the Grateful Dead

A favorite among Dead fans and casual listeners alike, “Casey Jones” has a super catchy melody and an origin story that goes back to early 1900’s Americana. It all started with a real-life train engineer whose heroic act inspired a ballad that eventually became the album closer on the Workingman’s Dead album, released in 1970. As with all things Grateful Dead, there’s a story here, and so let’s get into it in this episode of Behind The Song.
Music Producer: Christian Lane
Video Director: Eva Empleo
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About Janda:
Behind The Song podcast host and creator Janda Lane is a radio DJ at WDRV-FM in Chicago, the city she calls home with her husband and podcast partner, Christian Lane, and their two cats, Ollie and Liam.
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[@DavidMFChapman]

Another great story about a classic song! The entire album was a game changer, as well as American Beauty. So many excellent songs.

[@Billytomtom18]

Surly one of my favorite Grateful Dead songs, like you have said, ‘some songs just stick in your head’ …lol
I will always remember the Grateful Dead’s entourage of groupies that traveled from concert to concert. I guess many are still traveling Gypsies living in RV’s still reuniting with memories of which was the show ever, I doubt there’s an answer since there were so many Journeys. 🚌⛺️💫

[@_i_am_unceded]

As a Casey, the son of a Casey, and the father of a Casey, I must say this is my favorite GRATEFUL Dead song.

[@timothygrace2627]

Memories of a college English class book reading assignment; Tom Wolfe’s “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.” Well done, Janda!

[@cohort2796]

Good read. Ken kesey. Mountain girl. Bus wired for sound
Cassidy at the wheel. Adventure.

[@MrBernardo.]

Greatly done and said!! Class and information

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Much appreciated!

[@happyron]

as a songwriter I eat this stuff up, thanks!

[@michaelfried3123]

Workingman's has been my all time favorite Dead album for decades now. Just an awesome blend of rock, country, folk and blues. Dire Wolf is probably my all time favorite song from the 1970 classic!

[@DonJoyce]

Awesome story, as usual, Janda and Christian!

[@jchow5966]

Thank hou!!!!!

[@JimAllen-Persona]

Another great job Janda... thanks :-)

[@keithplucienik9376]

Thank you, as always interesting and informative

[@khonsuthecore4788]

Shit man, I did my own research the other day but this video was super fucking informative, learned way more.

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Thank you! Glad you got something out of it!

[@jeffmcdermott3193]

I've always had fun imagining that "two tickets to paradise" was just an oblique euphemism for sex (cf. "let me stand next to your fire"). Especially since he mentions that he's got those tickets "in his pocket." Hmmm.
As much as I love that iconic guitar figure and Eddie's plaintive vocal, I think what really makes the song is that conga. It subtly propels the tune before that punctuating accent at the end.

[@nowiknowuryder]

Omg
she really knows her shit

[@cohort2796]

I'm going down the road feeling bad, at least I'm enjoying the ride, the monkey has full control so I feel like doing a line or 2 should be ok. Now I'm all night running.

[@ZionForman]

lose with details and facts here

[@justsomerandommfer]

Best version is Mississippi John Hurt's.

[@JusticeAlways]

Yes! 👍

[@archstanton_live]

Casey Jones was known to push his engine.