I started going to Dead shows in 1977, and they were my favorite musicians long prior to that. I was lucky enough to see the Keith and Donna iteration several times.

She was/is beautiful, and what a voice.

I always thought she looked like an angel up there on the stage. And as far as talent, I always felt that Keith was the most talented keyboard player that they had (for a brief period anyway).

I thought his work was just amazing in the early 70s. The late 70s were a different story.

I remember when Keith and Donna left the band. I was in college, and I commiserated with a bunch of Dead Heads from Long Island who were in my classes here in upstate NY. There was wicked speculation on who the next keyboard player would be to occupy the "hotseat" next. The general consensus was that it would be Billy Payne, and it turned out to be Brent Mydland. He was warmly received by the big crowd of Deadheads who were my classmates.

they are just not quite all there without her sound.