Conversation so far:
How did Hornsby come to know the grateful dead?
CANNOTANSWER.
What happened between Hornsby and the Dead?
At some shows in 1988 and 1989, he joined the band as a special guest and played accordion or synthesizer.
Are there any other interesting aspects about this article?
Hornsby was the presenter when the Grateful Dead were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Did he play any songs with the Dead at the induction?
CANNOTANSWER.

Question: Did people like it when he played with the grateful dead?
Self-contained rewrite: Did people like Bruce Hornsby playing with the grateful dead?