Kenny Howard
Kenneth Graeme Howard (September 7, 1929–September 19,1992), also known as Dutch, Von Dutch or J.L. Bachs (Joe Lunch Box), was a motorcycle mechanic, eccentric, artist, pinstriper, metal fabricator, knifemaker, and gunsmith. His father, Wally Howard, was a well-respected Los Angeles sign painter and by the age of ten, the young Kenny Howard was able to paint and letter at a professional level. Money was something he detested. In this quote from a 1965 article Dutch explains his thoughts on money.
"I make a point of staying right at the edge of poverty. I don't have a pair of pants without a hole in them, and the only pair of boots I have are on my feet. I don't mess around with unnecessary stuff, so I don't need much money. I believe it's meant to be that way. There's a 'struggle' you have to go through, and if you make a lot of money it doesn't make the 'struggle' go away. It just makes it more complicated. If you keep poor, the struggle is simple. "
Education
While attending Compton High School, Von Dutch excelled in track and field and was referred to as "the fastest man in LA." Von Dutch had an appreciation for music and was also an accomplished flautist.
Work
Von Dutch was a major influence in the customizing of vehicles in the 1950s to today. Some of his famous works include the flying eyeball and the custom Kenford truck[1], along with numerous custom motorcycles and many award-winning custom cars. Among many custom car and motorcycle enthusiasts, he is thought of as one of the fathers of Kustom Kulture.
In 1958, Von Dutch, designed and produced the "Mare's Leg", a cut-down Winchester rifle for Wanted: Dead or Alive.
Death
Dutch lived life hard and his bad habits eventually caught up with him, and he developed a stomach abscess. He didn't like doctors, but towards the end, the pain got so bad, he finally saw a doctor. By then it was too late. Dutch died on the 19th. of September, 1992, leaving behind his two daughters, Lisa and Lorna. His ashes were thrown in the Pacific.
Criticism
According to an article in the Orange County Weekly "He was quite a racist; didn’t like anybody. He had all the trappings of being a neo-Nazi. He could not tolerate black people," said Robert Williams, whose friendship with Dutch cooled over time, but never ended. "But I had some wonderful times with him. When you caught him in a good mood he was really wonderful to talk to. But he would slip into these loud violent periods that were just horrible."[1]
Von Dutch corporation
After Von Dutch’s death his heirs sold his name to a fashion designer who started marketing and designing clothing with his trademarked symbol and name. The Von Dutch corporation has also used the Von Dutch logo on accessories and now energy drinks.
The Von Dutch company is now a multinational clothing company recognized for getting product placement of their clothing on popular actors, actress and music performers.
See also
References
- ^ Douglas, Theo (2004-01-08). "Von Who?". OCWeekly. Retrieved 2006-07-21.
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