Happy Birthday, Bob Weir!

I love celebrating celebrities' birthdays. I used to celebrate Fred Savage's and Buddy Holly's birthdays every year. I started celebrating John Lennon's quite some time ago, but this is my first year for celebrating Bob Weir's. My Bob Weir obsession appreciation began when I was introduced to Sirius 32: Grateful Dead channel. Well, let me take that back, I've thought Weir was hot ever since I bought my lone Grateful Dead CD. But then, he was 18 or 19 when the picture in that album booklet was taken. Anyway, I started hearing more songs and getting a feel for his voice and realized that I really liked it. Plus, I learned that he got even hotter through the late '60s and early '70s. But I have consistently liked his music throughout the years. I hope to get the chance to see both a Furthur and a RatDog concert someday. Well anyway, happy birthday, Bobby!!

Dear Jerry and Bobby,

I only think it fair to address this letter to both of you, seeing as how its content kind of involves all three of us.

Jerry: Your guitar skills are through the roof. So much so that I actually bought another guitar and would like to try my hand at lead. Nothing like you could do, but at least a start.

Bobby: I like the rhythm your strumming produces; you have a nice voice; you are extremely hot from the 1960s to the early 1990s. Yes, I realize you're married and have children. Just sayin'.

Fact is, boys, I'm realizing that I'm leaning towards yet another vocalist, here. Jerry, I love you on "U.S. Blues." You know I can't get enough of it. I actually saw an Uncle Sam hat shaped pinata at Wal-Mart the other day. I considered putting it on, but there was no one around to take my picture. Then I thought about buying it, but I passed. Anyway, I also love you on "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo" and "Ramble on Rose," to name a few.

And Bobby, I think the world knows that one of my favorites from you is "One More Saturday Night," although I also love "I Need a Miracle" and "Samson and Delilah."

But guys, neither of you quite has the blues shouting skills that Pig Pen had. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but it's true. I've heard "Easy Wind" three times in the past three days. And each time, it excites me more. I'm really getting a taste for this blues sound. In fact, I got really excited hearing some of his work on Sirius 32 the other day. Does this mean I'm leaving the two of you? Of course not. But please, understand my needs, guys, and don't be hurt if I start listening to more McKernan for a few days. I'm kind of new to his sound.

Thanks for understanding.

Your fan,
Sunshine Jones

I Said My Name Was Ramblin' Rose

Dear Jerry,

I find I'm thinking about you more and more every day. I've even found myself listening to such tunes as "Mississippi Half-Step," or whatever it's called. I never really figured out what the official title is, but you do a good job on it. Anyway, I've also been listening to "Shakedown Street," or whatever it's called. I apologize, Jerry--since I only own one of your band's albums, I have to rely on Sirius 32 and YouTube for my song titles. Bobby hasn't filled me in on any official titles yet.

Anyway, my point is that I'm gaining a whole new appreciation for your singing. And watching you pick guitar on the Half Step song--I had to stop grading papers for at least a whole minute to watch in awe as my jaw dropped. Very impressive fretboard work. That being said, I think Bobby can do a pretty good job with a guitar as well.

Point being, Jerry, maybe I was a little rash in my last letter. I mean, we'd been spending so much time together and all that maybe I just needed a fresh sound. I don't know. I don't even know what I'm trying to say. My emotions are you everywhere tonight. I mean, I really like Bobby, you know? But if things don't work out between us and I decide I need to listen to a different style of music, do you think you could find it in your heart to forgive me and take me back as a fan? I am still your fan, Jerry. I don't want you to ever forget that. But I'm just going through so much right now, what with changing my musical tastes everyday and all. It's just a lot for a girl to handle. You do understand, don't you Jerry? I knew you would. Thanks for always being there to support me in my decisions.

Your increasingly Grateful fan,
Sunshine Jones

I Need a Miracle (Every Day)

Dear Jerry,

It hurts me to write this letter, but to get to the point, I am going to have to leave you for Bob Weir. To be honest, it was "Samson and Delilah" that did it for me. However, he really had me at "Sugar Magnolia."

Don't get me wrong, Jerry, I still love you for "Franklin's Tower," "Friend of the Devil," and "U.S. Blues." It's just that those aren't my top songs at the moment. I apologize for being so fickle.

Really Jerry, it's not you, it's me. I love your sound, but sometimes it's just too mellow for me. I can't help myself, but I really love the screaming rhythm of music like "One More Saturday Night."

I really do dig your lead guitar skills, and I like you better in a full beard and mustache. In my opinion, Bobby should go back to the long sideburns, long ponytail, and hair in the face look he had going on in '72; but you Jerry--you rocked that bushy beard look.

In closing, I'll "say my piece and get out." We've had some good times together Jerry Garcia, but for the time being, I think I'm going to have to listen to another lead singer. I hope you'll understand.

Your fan,
Sunshine Jones

P.S. Please don't take it personally, Jerry. I'm sure I'll come around and favor your songs again sometime. After all, you were my first favorite Grateful Dead lead.