Anyway, for anyone wanting some more Robert Hunter lyrics, they are available on the Jim Lauderdale album. A chance for Dead fans, who may not be aware of Jim, to acquaint themselves with him. He comes from Bluegrass, a music Jerry loved (I bought the Old & In The Way album when it was originally released, admittedly more for the playing of David Grisman than that of Jerry---Garcia was okay at it, not great) .I take Robert and Jim each wanting to collaborate with the other as a sign that they both respect one another artistically. Good enough for me!
To see some interaction between The Dead and The Band (hey, it wasn’t I who brought them into the conversation ;-), as well as Janis Joplin and others, watch the Festival Express documentary.
Just for the record: I don’t "tout the singing voice is everything" (I like Johnny Cash and Dylan ;-), UNLESS we are talking about harmonies. I like mine sweet, not sour. While I’m at it, I’ll also admit I consider The Band far superior to The Dead (and just about all other R & R bands) in terms of ensemble musicianship. But that’s not The Dead’s forte, just as 30-minute long "songs" are not The Band’s. Different horses, different courses. But all this has nothing to do with Robert Hunter, so back to giving him his due.