Kenny Howard
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"Von Dutch" redirects here. For the energy drink, see Von Dutch (energy drink).
Kenneth 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.
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[edit] 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 flutist.
[edit] Automotive 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.
[edit] 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]
[edit] Von Dutch corporation
Von Dutch's heirs started marketing his designs on clothing and accessories and now energy drinks after his death. In an unprecedented move, a young 20 year old bought into the company, acquiring 20%.
[edit] Von Dutch Official Race Car Driver
- Frank Pedregon Racing
This is not quite true,as his name was licensed under misguided intentions. His family sees a mere pittance compared to overall sales of merchandise.
[edit] See also
- Hot rod
- Mag Rack TV - Motorcycle Freedom Show
- Breast Cancer Awareness Trucker Hat from Von Dutch Kustom Cycles
- Dee Snyder Dee Snider at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2005 with Von Dutch Kustom Cycles riding his newest custom chopper the Flying DEE-MON.
- Jesse James (West Coast Choppers) vs. Von Dutch - NY Times May 7, 2006 Reference. latimes.com
- Celebrities
- ESPN
