Robert Hunter

Robert Hunter was a celebrated American lyricist, poet, and singer-songwriter best known for his long-running collaboration with the Grateful Dead. As the primary lyricist for the band, he teamed up with guitarist Jerry Garcia to craft many of the group’s most iconic songs, including “Ripple,” “Truckin’,” “Uncle John’s Band,” and “Friend of the Devil.” Though he often remained behind the scenes, Hunter’s lyrics played a central role in shaping the Grateful Dead’s poetic and psychedelic sound.

In addition to his work with the Dead, Hunter also released solo material, including the albums Tales of the Great Rum Runners (1974) and Tiger Rose (1975), both of which showcased his unique storytelling style and folk-rock sensibility. He continued to write lyrics for various members of the Grateful Dead in their solo projects and collaborated with artists across genres. His contributions left a lasting imprint on American songwriting, earning him a revered place in rock history.

Genres

Spoken Word

Classic Blues

Pop

Alternative

Folk

Rock

Singer-songwriter

Jazz

Blues

Country

Psychedelic Rock

Americana

Related Artists

Bob Dylan

John Prine

Steve Earle

Jerry Garcia

Townes Van Zandt

David Grisman

Neil Young

Willie Nelson

The Band

Jackson Browne

Gillian Welch

Guy Clark

Latest Release

Tiger Rose (2025 Remaster)

Robert Hunter

Single - Released March 5, 2025