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| VOTED "BEST MUSICIAN OF 2016" JACKSON FREE PRESS |
Hunter began studying music at the age of six. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Hunter played in many local bands as a teenager, and in 1982, while working on a Business degree at Belhaven College, he began performing as a solo artist. After graduating from college in 1985, Hunter became a full-time musician, playing in Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Illinois, and Texas, as well as his home state, where he soon developed a loyal following.
In 1989, Hunter recorded his first album, “The Unopened Door.” It received regional radio airplay, especially in Mississippi, and the self-produced effort received national attention for its production.
“Fountain of Youth,” Hunter’s second release, came out in 1993. Its first single “Kymberly” started receiving airplay on Jackson station B95.5, and within the first week, it was the fifth most requested song, competing with national hits. His third CD “The Home Sessions” came out in 1998. It continues to receive local radio airplay.
His first live CD came out in August of 2007 and marked his 25th year of performing as a solo artist. The CD "Love Songs Live" features 19 songs and a bonus CD "Jazz Brunch."
Hunter also has a six-piece band called Hunter & the Gators. They have been together since 1991. They specialize in dance music with lots of harmony. They all sing lead vocals as well as back-up. They were nominated for best pop group in the Jackson Music Awards in 1999.
Hunter also has a 64-track digital studio. He has written and produced music CD's, TV commercial music, industrial video scores, and radio jingles. His work has received an Addy Award. In 2001, he composed and recorded the theme music for “Chasing the Dream,” a nationally broadcast program on The Outdoor Channel.
Performances
Hunter performs as a solo artist and with a duo partner Larry Brewer, as well as with The Gators. Hunter has performed in hundreds of restaurants and nightclubs throughout the South. He also entertains at wedding receptions, private parties, fraternities, sororities, and he has opened for and performed with such artists as Greg Allman, Better Than Ezra, Starship, Percy Sledge, Tom Keifer (from Cinderella), Brian Vander Ark (from "The Verve Pipe"), Irma Thomas, the Radiators, and Fingers Taylor and Mike Utley (from Jimmy Buffett’s band).
Hunter is considered a "one-man band," playing keyboards, guitar, and harmonica, with the rest of the instruments recorded on mini-disc, all programmed himself. Hunter communicates well with his audience, always getting them involved and encouraging requests. His songlist consists of over 1,000 songs from the late fifties to the present.
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