Kenny Howard

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“Von Dutch” redirects here. For the energy drink, see Von Dutch (energy drink).

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.


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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 flautist.

[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

Virginia, "Dutch"'s sister
Virginia, "Dutch"'s sister

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.


Dee Snider at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2005 with Von Dutch Kustom Cycles riding his newest custom chopper the Flying DEE-MON
Dee Snider at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2005 with Von Dutch Kustom Cycles riding his newest custom chopper the Flying DEE-MON

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Douglas, Theo (2004-01-08). Von Who?. OCWeekly. Retrieved on 2006-07-21.

[edit] External links

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