Happy Birthday Robert Hunter: Non-Grateful Dead Songs Spotify Playlist

Lyricist Robert Hunter turns 77-years-old today. Best-known for his contributions to the Grateful Dead songbook with his primary writing partner in the legendary band Jerry Garcia, Hunter has regularly composed songs with a variety of other musicians throughout his illustrious career. Saturday Stream this week celebrates Hunter’s birthday with a Spotify Playlist compiling the many compositions he’s written or co-written for non-Grateful Dead projects.

Hunter has written songs for several of the Grateful Dead’s surviving members’ solo endeavors, including a number of drummer Mickey Hart’s projects, including songs featured on last year’s release RAMU that featured Avey Tare and Tarriona “Tank” Ball. Hart’s Rhythm Devils partner Bill Kreutzmann enlisted Hunter’s words for his 7 Walkers project with Papa Mali. Dead bassist Phil Lesh and members of his Phil Lesh & Friends ensemble, such as guitarist Jimmy Herring, have also teamed with Hunter on originals.

Singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale introduced Hunter when the latter was given the Americana Music Association’s 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award. Lauderdale has issued several entire albums made up of songs composed by Hunter, a few of which are part of the playlist.

Fellow master lyricist Bob Dylan has collaborated with Hunter a handful of times over the years. The songs on Dylan’s 2009 album Together Through Life were co-credited to Hunter, and the latter also co-wrote “Silvio” and “Ugliest Girl In The World” from 1988’s Down In The Groove. Most recently, Hunter earned a credit for “Duquesne Whistle” on Dylan’s 2012 LP Tempest.

The other selections making the playlist include tracks by New Riders Of The Purple Sage, Gov’t Mule, Bruce Hornsby, Little Feat, Los Lobos, Keller Williams, Zero and more. Stream the set below: