[3] Raised in Detroit, Michigan, Hunter was trained in orchestral music — primarily trumpet and keyboards.
After a stint in the United States Army, Hunter began performing as a singer in the proto-soul venues around Detroit, where he became friends with songwriter Hank Cosby.
Hunter played keyboards on Motown sessions before Stevenson began working with him as a songwriter.
With Marvin Gaye and Stevenson, he co-wrote the Martha and the Vandellas hit "Dancing in the Street" which, in the fall of 1964, provided an American counterpart to the British Invasion.
He also co-produced an album for Wee Gee (William Howard), the former lead singer of The Dramatics, which included the hit "Hold On (To Your Dream)", which has become a favorite in graduation ceremonies.