Dennis McNally papers, 1940-2010

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Summary

Abstract:
The Dennis McNally papers contain writings, notes, drafts, correspondence, and ephemera from McNally's time working with the Grateful Dead. McNally was the Grateful Dead historian and publicist.
Extent:
57 Linear Feet 35 half cartons; 17 cartons; 3 document boxes; 6 flat boxes; 10 AV boxes; 1 travel trunk
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Dennis McNally papers, MS 336. Special Collections and Archives, University Library, University of California, Santa Cruz.

Background

Scope and content:

The Dennis McNally papers comprise writings, notes, drafts, correspondence, and ephemera compiled by McNally during his time working as a historian and publicist for the Grateful Dead.

The materials from McNally's time as the Grateful Dead historian include extensive files, such as research and drafts, on McNally's book A Long Strange Trip: The Inside History of the Grateful Dead. Also included are materials from Grateful Dead tours, such as tickets, backstage passes, and McNally's notes, realia, correspondence with rock journalist Al Aronowitz, and Grateful Dead music and lyrics.

Materials from McNally's time as the Grateful Dead publicist include correspondence, tour documents, meeting minutes and press.

Also included in this collection are photographs, slides, and negatives of the band, including promotional, tour, and candid images.

Biographical / historical:

Dennis McNally (1949-) is an author, historian, and the Grateful Dead's former publicist. He became the band's authorized historian in 1980 and then was hired as their publicist in 1984. McNally toured with the Grateful Dead from 1984 to 1995. In 2002, he published A Long Strange Trip: The Inside Story of the Grateful Dead. McNally continued his duties as historian and publicist for Grateful Dead Productions until it dissolved in 2004.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Dennis McNally, 2010-2012.
Processing information:

Processed by Nicholas G. Meriwether in 2014 and by Zoe MacLeod in 2025.

Arrangement:

The Dennis McNally papers are arranged into three series:

  • Series 1. Historian
  • Subseries 1.1 A Long Strange Trip: The Inside History of the Grateful Dead
  • Subseries 1.2 Grateful Dead Tours
  • Subseries 1.3 Realia
  • Subseries 1.4 Al Aronowitz
  • Subseries 1.5 Lyrics and Music
  • Series 2. Publicist
  • Series 3. Photographs, Slides, and Negatives

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright for the items in this collection is owned by the creators and their heirs. Reproduction or distribution of any work protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the copyright owner. It is the responsibility of the user to determine whether a use is fair use, and to obtain any necessary permissions. For more information see UCSC Special Collections and Archives policy on Reproduction and Use.

Preferred citation:

Dennis McNally papers, MS 336. Special Collections and Archives, University Library, University of California, Santa Cruz.

Location of this collection:
Special Collections and Archives, University Library
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95064, US
Contact:
(831) 459-2547
speccoll@library.ucsc.edu
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