Robert Hunter, Grateful Dead’s Poetic Lyricist, Dead at 78

This June 18, 2015 file photo shows Robert Hunter at the 46th Annual Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini / Invision / AP, File)This June 18, 2015 file photo shows Robert Hunter at the 46th Annual Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini / Invision / AP, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Hunter, the man behind the poetic and mystical words for many of the Grateful Dead’s finest songs, has died at age 78.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart says Hunter died Monday at his Northern California home. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Although proficient on a number of instruments including guitar, violin, cello and trumpet, Hunter never appeared on stage with the Grateful Dead.

Instead he was content to stay in the background and let his written words speak for him during the band’s 30-year run that ended with the 1995 death of guitarist Jerry Garcia.

Hunter’s songs included such classics as “Truckin’,” ‘‘Uncle John’s Band,” ‘‘Box of Rain” and “Ripple.”

He also collaborated with Bob Dylan and others, including Hart and other members of the Grateful Dead.

Video: Grateful Dead fans Stacey Pfiffner and Chris Kaskie discuss the band’s historic “Fare Thee Well” show at Soldier Field in 2015.


Related stories:

Cokie Roberts, Longtime Political Journalist, Dies at 75

Rocker Ric Ocasek, Frontman of The Cars, Dead at 75

Family: Eddie Money, ‘Two Tickets to Paradise’ Singer, Dies


Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors