LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — John "Marmaduke" Dawson, co-founder of the psychdelic country-rock act New Riders of the Purple Sage died on Wednesday after a battle with stomach cancer at the age of 64.
Originally formed in 1969 by Dawson and the Greatful Dead's Jerry Garcia, the New Riders went on to release eight albums, including the "The Adventures of Panama Red," and become a successful touring act.
Dawson retired from performing in the late 1990s to Mexico.
In addition to his work with the New Riders, Dawson was an accomplished songwriter and collaborated with the Greatful Dead in writing their iconic hit "Friend of the Devil" along with numerous New Riders songs.
"In terms of American music, the New Riders were the quintessential psychedelic country band," Rob Bleetstein, the New Riders' archivist told the Mercury News. "In 1969, there wasn't anyone doing what they were doing. With Garcia's sound on pedal steel and Dawson's great songs and imagery, they really had something special." – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
