Editing Charles Hunter (composer) (section)

==Career==
Absorbing the folk strains of Nashville, Hunter published his first rag, "[[Tickled to Death]]", in 1899, which became a hit.  This was followed in 1900 by "A Tennessee Tantilizer," and in 1901 by "Possum and Taters," "Cotton Bolls," and "Queen of Love."

In 1902 he transferred to Jesse French's St. Louis store.  "Just Ask Me" was published that year, and "Why We Smile" the next.

Hunter's health and career deteriorated as he partook of the St. Louis night life, and it was not until late in 1905 that he published his final rag, "Back to Life," so named to celebrate his return to health.  It was a short-lived recovery; he died of [[tuberculosis]] not long afterwards. According to his funeral notice in the ''Columbia Herald'', he left a young wife.  He died on January 23, 1906, just six weeks after his marriage.