The musician Phil Lesh and his wife Jill Lesh have been married for over 30 years. The two were supportive and affectionate toward each other.
Philip Chapman Lesh was an accomplished American musician who founded the band Grateful Dead, where he played bass guitar.
Highlights
- Phil Lesh’s demise has brought immense pain to his family and friends.
- His wife, Jill Lesh, served as his manager, overseeing his projects, events, and finances.
- Mrs Lesh was born as Johnson, hinting that her family might have American roots.
After his band broke up, Phil played with spin-off bands like The Other Ones and The Dead.
His autobiography, “Searching for the Sound: My Life with the Grateful Dead,” was published in 2005, and highlighted his musical journey and struggles.
Sadly, the world is mourning the loss of the guitarist, who had battled cancer twice and underwent a kidney transplant in 1998 because of heavy drinking.
Phil Lesh And His Wife, Jill Lesh, Met At The Station Cafe In San Rafael
Jill Lesh is the wife of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. The pair met many years ago when she was a waitress at the Station cafe.
Moreover, Mrs Lesh produced projects ranging from “Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of Grateful Dead” to “Phil Lesh & Friends Live at the Warfield.”
Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead and his wife Jill at SF Marin Food Bank volunteering pic.twitter.com/xNLh79N90u
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 8, 2017
She has also been heavily and creatively involved with Terrapin Crossroads, the music venue and restaurant her husband founded.
Furthermore, the pair purchased the former Seafood Peddler restaurant and converted the venue into a modern restaurant called Terrapin Crossroads.
Similarly, she was the musician’s manager and handled most of his financial decisions. She oversaw his music projects, events, and other business choices.
Additionally, the pair have two children including Grahame Lesh, 38 and Brian Lesh, 35 who are singers following their father’s footsteps.
Since Mr Lesh was 84 at his demise, his partner would be in her late 60s to early 70s, though her exact age is not publicly confirmed.
Jill Lesh And The Renowned Artist, Phil Lesh Probably Had American Roots
Jill Lesh’s maiden name was Johnson before she married Phil Lesh and took his surname. She has kept most of her life private.
Similarly, Johnson is rarely seen on social media or at events in the public eye, other than in company with her late husband, Phil Lesh.
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Very little is known about her background, however, her family ancestry could go back generations upon generations in North America based on her surname.
Also, considering the prevalence of the surname Johnson in locations like the USA and Canada between the mid-1800s and early 1900s, her parents have American roots.
Since, the legend’s wife was a waitress in San Rafael, California, it is possible that she grew up there or nearby, however, this has not been confirmed.
Additional Information
- Phil Nesh’s net worth was estimated to be around $60 million as of 2024.
- Jill Nesh and her husband’s elder son, Grahame Lesh is a singer in the Midnight North band.
- The couple has become grandparents as their son, Brian Lesh has a son Levon Lesh.