Robert Hunter
Biography
Robert C. Christie Hunter (born Robert Burns; June 23, 1941 – September 23, 2019) was an American lyricist, singer-songwriter, translator and poet, best known for his work with the Grateful Dead. Born near San Luis Obispo, California, Hunter spent some time during his childhood in foster homes as a result of his father abandoning his family, and took refuge in reading and writing. He attended the University of Connecticut for a year before returning to Palo Alto, where he became friends with musician Jerry Garcia. Hunter and Garcia began a collaboration that lasted through the remainder of Garcia's life. Garcia and others formed the Grateful Dead in 1965, and later began working with lyrics from Hunter, whom Garcia invited to join the band as a lyricist. Hunter contributed substantially to many of their albums, beginning with Aoxomoxoa in 1969. He wrote lyrics to a number of the band's signature songs, including "Dark Star", "Ripple", "Truckin'", "China Cat Sunflower", and "Terrapin Station". Hunter was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Grateful Dead in 1994, and is the only non-performer to be inducted as a member of a band. Upon his death, Rolling Stone described him as "one of rock's most ambitious and dazzling lyricists".
Known For & Full Filmography3 Titles
Drama Series - 1997, 16 episodes • as Self
A documentary series about pop and rock albums that are considered the best or most distinctive of a well-known band or musician or that exemplify a stage in the history of music.
Movie - 1972, 2h 15m • as Self - Performers(as The Grateful Dead)
Legendary rock impresario Bill Graham closed the Fillmore West in early summer 1971 with five nights of all-star concerts, the last curtain going down on July 4. The storied San Francisco venue had become an institution, an integral part of the West Coast music scene of the '60s and, now, an essential element of the mythology of rock 'n' roll. Always the showman, Graham made sure the Fillmore West was sent off in a blaze of glory, spotlighting bands - including the Grateful Dead and Santana-that rose to fame at the hall. The madness leading up to the shows and the concerts themselves were filmed for FILLMORE: THE LAST DAYS, a gritty, behind-the-scenes look at a fascinating moment in rock history and a showcase for great performances by iconic artists who epitomized 'the San Francisco Sound.' Originally released in 1972 and long out-of-print, the documentary film makes its DVD debut with Rhino's landmark reissue.
Movie - 2012, 2h 15m • as Self
Bonus Disc Performances Shoreline Ampitheatre • Mountain View, CA • October 2, 1987 14-1 China Cat Sunflower 14-2 I Know You Rider 14-3 Man Smart, Woman Smarter Sullivan Stadium • Foxboro, MA • July 2, 1989 14-4 Friend Of The Devil The World Ampitheatre • Tinley Park, IL • July 22, 1990 14-5 Hey Pockey Way Soldier Field • Chicago, IL • June 22, 1991 14-6 Shakedown Street 1992 Documentary Backstage Pass, Directed By Justin Kreutzmann 14-7 Backstage Pass New Interview With Grateful Dead Archivist David Lemieux 14-8 New Interview With Archivist David Lemieux