Biography

Sang backup vocals for Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of the Grateful Dead) in 1994.

In 1981, Godchaux remarried the Bay Area bassist David MacKay. Her work in music was limited to occasionally singing at church and appearing on a 1987 album by San Francisco band, Zero.

Godchaux and David MacKay formed their own indie label, Heart of Gold Records, and in 1998 she released her debut album. In 2004, she reformed the Heart of Gold Band, which released a new record, At the Table.

In the late 80's she would front her own group, alternately known as Donna Jean and the Tricksters and the Donna Jean Godchaux Band. Her last studio album, with musician Jeff Mattson, was released in 2014.