Ryan Adams and the Grateful Dead have a long history together. Along with Adams being a fan (as he discusses in the video below), the singer/songwriter also befriended Phil Lesh in 2005, leading to a few shows as a Friend of Lesh’s. Adams first joined Lesh at the 2005 Jammys performing “Wharf Rat” and played with the band at Red Rocks and on New Year’s of ’05 in San Francisco. To this day, Lesh (as well as many projects affiliated with Lesh) still mix in some of Adams’ tunes including “Let It Ride,” “Cold Roses” and more.

Following his performance at the Newport Folk Festival, Adams and his acoustic guitar visited some kids at MyMusicRX for a take on “Wharf Rat.” The singer says he listens to the Grateful Dead whenever he “feels out of place” or isn’t “feeling great.” It’s fitting that this beautiful cover surfaces on Jerry Garcia’s birthday. A wonderful tribute, indeed. Watch it below.