Robert Hunter, who passed away on Monday, is best known for writing the lyrics of Grateful Dead classics like Dark Star, China Cat Sunflower, Uncle Johns Band and Ripple.
Singer-songwriter Robert Hunter, a longtime collaborator and lyricist for the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78.
According to Rolling Stone he died on Monday and his cause of death was not provided but he went peacefully.
It is with great sadness we confirm our beloved Robert passed away yesterday night, Hunters family shared in a statement with the outlet on Tuesday. He died peacefully at home in his bed, surrounded by love. His wife Maureen was by his side holding his hand.
For his fans that have loved and supported him all these years, take comfort in knowing that his words are all around us, and in that way his is never truly gone, the statement continued. In this time of grief please celebrate him the way you all know how, by being together and listening to the music. Let there be songs to fill the air.
Hunter is best known for crafting the lyrics to an array of Grateful Dead classics like Dark Star, China Cat Sunflower, Uncle Johns Band, Box of Rain, Ripple, Scarlet Begonias and Touch of Grey.
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He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994 along with Grateful Dead band members Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Tom Constanten, Donna Jean Godchaux, Keith Godchaux, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Ron McKernan, Brent Mydland and Vince Welnick.
David Lemieux, the Grateful Deads longtime audiovisual archivist, shared a statement on Tuesday, writing, Fare you well, Mr. Hunter. We love you more than words can tell…
For a man who provided us with so many meaningful words, the soundtrack to our lives, hes left us a bit speechless with his passing, he continued. For more than 50 years, since his first lyrical contributions to the Grateful Dead in 1967, Robert Hunter has been just as integral a part of the legacy of the Grateful Dead as those who recorded the music to accompany his words, those who walked out on stage to bring his words to life.
(Picture: Facebook)
Hunters bandmates were also paid tribute to their fallen brother, as Mickey Hart described the seminal role the lyricist played in the Grateful Dead.
There was nobody like Bob Hunter, and there never will be. A visionary wordsmith extraordinaire. He explained the unexplainable and the words struck deep. The characters that inhabited his world explained so much and revealed multi-layers of emotions. He spun the stories, and he now rides a carpet headed straight to Jerry. The Grateful Dead was his canvas and together we made magic.
If Im gonna count my blessings, Robert Hunter and his imagination are gonna be up at the top of that list, Bob Weir captioned a photo of Hunter with Jerry Garcia. I think I can speak for a lot of people In saying that.
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Additionally, Grateful Dead offshoot Company member John Mayer Read More – Source
