Poet Robert Hunter, a longtime collaborator with Grateful Dead, has passed away. He was 78.
Hunter contributed lyrics to a number of Grateful Dead’s most significant songs, such as ‘Touch of Grey’, ‘Dark Star’, ‘Ripple’ and ‘Box of Rain.’
His family confirmed news of his passing in a statement shared with The Times.
“It is with great sadness we confirm our beloved Robert passed away yesterday night. 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 he is never truly gone. In this time of grief please celebrate him the way you all know how, by being together and listening to the music.”
Hunter was indicted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and in 2015 was recognised into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is the sole non-performer ever recognised as a member of the band.
“For a man who provided us with so many meaningful words, the soundtrack to our lives, he’s left us a bit speechless with his passing,” Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux shared in a tribute statement.
“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.”
Alongside his contributions to Grateful Dead, Hunter released a number of solo records and poetry volumes.
Watch: Robert Hunter – ‘Ripple’
