AI brings Jerry Garcia’s voice back for audiobook narration

AI technology is enabling new forms of digital resurrection, with the latest example being the recreation of Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia’s voice for audiobook and article narration through a partnership between his estate and ElevenLabs.

Key development: ElevenLabs has partnered with Jerry Garcia’s estate to recreate the late musician’s voice using AI technology, making it available through their ElevenReader app.

• Users can now hear Garcia’s AI-generated voice narrate audiobooks, articles, poetry, PDFs and other content
• The voice model is available in 32 different languages
• The technology is part of what ElevenLabs calls their “Iconic Listening Experience”

Project background and vision: The initiative emerged from collaboration between ElevenLabs and the Jerry Garcia Foundation, co-founded by Garcia’s daughter Keelin.

• The Foundation is exploring using the voice model for narrated documentaries and audio art exhibits
• Keelin Garcia emphasized that her father was technologically forward-thinking, having shown interest in digital art and video games
• The project aims to continue Jerry Garcia’s legacy while embracing new technology

Industry context: The recreation of Garcia’s voice represents part of a growing trend of using AI to bring back the voices of deceased artists.

• Paul McCartney recently used AI to extract John Lennon’s vocals for the “Last Beatles Record”
• Warner Music is working with Edith Piaf’s estate to recreate her voice for an upcoming biopic
• ElevenLabs’ platform already features AI voices of other cultural icons including Judy Garland, James Dean, Burt Reynolds, and Sir Laurence Olivier

Expert perspective: The technology is positioned as both a preservation tool and an innovative way to engage audiences.

• Dustin Blank, Head of Partnerships at ElevenLabs, describes the project as a “labor of love” that creates new ways for people to experience content
• Keelin Garcia views the technology as a way for fans to connect with her father’s voice through new mediums

Looking ahead: While AI voice recreation technology offers exciting possibilities for preserving and extending artists’ legacies, it also raises questions about the authenticity and appropriate use of posthumous digital representations, particularly as these tools become more sophisticated and widespread.