Robert Hunter is an American singer-songwriter, lyricist, translator and poet from Arroyo Grande, United States. He is best known for his long association with the Grateful Dead, for whom he writes many of the band’s songs. He is a non-performing member of the group and is included in its 1994 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, the only non-performer to be honoured in that way.

Career

Hunter records under his own name and releases his first album, Tales of the Great Rum Runners, in 1974, with support from members of the Grateful Dead. He also writes poetry and novels, and works in folk and rock music as a performer and writer.

He collaborates with Bob Dylan on several occasions, co-writing two songs on Down in the Groove, most of the songs on Together Through Life, and “Duquesne Whistle” from Tempest. He also co-writes songs with Jim Lauderdale, Greg Anton, Steve Kimock, David Nelson, Pete Sears and Rob Barraco.

Songwriting and associated acts

Hunter is closely linked with Jerry Garcia and writes for many Grateful Dead-related projects. Some songs he writes for the Dead are later performed by the band, while others are written for him to sing himself. Among the songs he keeps for his own performances is “Boys in the Barroom”, which is widely associated with his solo work.

After the Grateful Dead ends in 1995, he continues writing songs with other musicians and remains active as a lyricist. In 2012, he co-writes four songs on Little Feat’s Rooster Rag.

Memberships and honours

He is a member of the Grateful Dead, Hart Valley Drifters, Tub Thumpers, Black Mountain Boys and The Wildwood Boys. In 2013, he receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association. In 2015, he and Garcia are inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Style and labels

His work is associated with country rock, folk rock, rock and singer-songwriter traditions. He is linked with Ice Nine Publishing Company, Inc.