June 1st, 2008

I awoke yesterday, got a cup of coffee and sat down at my Mac to do my usual morning surfing. Little did I know that one of the people instrumental in me becoming a rock poster artist had passed away. I was devastated. It was like losing a very close friend. The tears flowed... I haven't felt this kind of loss since Rick Griffin died in an accident back in the early 90's.

I was keenly aware of Kelley's illness for a while. I, along with many artists in the music and gallery community had sent letters of encouragement. All seemed to be going well. He was released from the hospital a week or so ago and the poster community breathed a sigh of relief that he seemed to regaining his strength. We all thought he had dodged the bullet and would be with us for a while longer. Sadly, it was not to be.

Here is the message sent to his family and friends:

Our dearest Kelley passed early this morning, peacefully at home. He returned home last Wednesday, so very happy to be out of the hospital and back home. Marguerite was by his side, as she has been from the beginning. The family asks for solitude and will announce a memorial to celebrate Kelley at a later date. In lieu of flowers, an account will be set up at the Western St. branch of Washington Mutual to raise funds for a bench in a Sonoma County park. Peace and much love to Kelley's immediate family and wide group of friends and fellow artists. Your caring thoughts and words sustained Kelley throughout his illness.

Alton Kelley and Stanley Mouse drew the first face on Rock and Roll and were known for the iconic images of the Steve Miller Band's Book of Dreams album, the iconic Grateful Dead's Skull and Roses and all the Scarab Journey albums and too many more to list. Many times I bought albums for the Mouse/Kelley cover art more so than the piece of vinyl tucked inside. Being a teenager in the 70's, those images are what inspired me to become an artist. Those images changed my life.

Thank you Alton. I will miss you dearly my friend. God Speed.

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