R.I.P Robert Hunter

Robert Hunter the legendary lyricist best know for his songs written for the Grateful Dead passed away today. He wrote lyrics for others as well including Jerry Garcia, Bruce Hornsby, Little Feat, Bill Payne, David Nelson, Jim Lauderdale,  and even collaborated with Bob Dylan. he has also written several books of poetry.


                                            Robert's version of "Box of Rain"

The Grateful Dead "Ripple"

I interviewed Bill Payne one of the founders of Little Feat on songwriting with Robert Hunter:

"If Robert doesn’t like something he is going to tell me. If lyrically he sends me something I can’t sing then I need to see if we can do something a little differently. Then he goes, ‘BOOM! – try this!” It’s usually not only better but a lot better."

Here is a song they wrote together "Ragtop Down"

He wrote "Cyclone" for Bruce Hornsby

Bob Dylan "Silvio"

Fare thee well!

"Brokedown Palace"

Hunter is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Americana Music Awards presented him a lifetime achievement award,  but his legacy is in the words of so many songs.

Happy Birthday Robert Hunter!

Today, June 23, 2015 is Robert Hunter's birthday. In my opinion is one of the greatest lyricist on the planet. You may not know his  name but if you listen to the Grateful Dead you have surely heard songs he has penned.

Here Robert Hunter performs "Ripple" at the Songwriters Hall of Fame honoring Jerry Garcia and himself..

His contribution to the Grateful Dead was so big he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band as a non-performing member of the band.

Here is one Hunter's vintage solo songs called "Dry Dusty Road"...

He wrote the song "Silvio" and a few others for Bob Dylan..

He wrote this song with "Little Feat" for an album back in 2013..

I'll leave you with this classic "Brokedown Palace"

I hope you enjoy the music and I will be back soon!