I thought that was his name. Steve Perry. In a former life I was a sensitive metal d.j. and some Journey was on my playlist so I thought I remembered correctly...
Now I really believe I did not "get" the experience of the Dead because of my refusal to use LSD! And your "family" theory makes sense. Although it sounds like a dysfunctional one, for sure.
I do prefer The Band. (Maybe it's a Canada thing...?) And Van Morrison. I have the same feeling about Van Morrison as I do about Neil Young. You know, when you are driving down the road and "Jackie Wilson Says" comes on? Always a great moment to be alive!