The Fascinating Life of Owsley Stanley III: LSD Pioneer, Grateful Dead Soundman, and Counterculture Icon
Bear is the definitive biography of Augustus Owsley Stanley III, better known as "Bear," one of the most iconic figures in the cultural revolution that transformed America and the world during the 1960s. As the creator of the famous dancing bear logo and the designer of the Wall of Sound for the Grateful Dead, Owsley left an indelible mark on the counterculture movement.
Owsley's high-octane rocket fuel powered Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters' Acid Tests, fueled the performances at Monterey Pop, and turned on music legends like Pete Townshend of The Who and Jimi Hendrix. His shipment of LSD to John Lennon even inspired The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour album and film.
Convinced that the Grateful Dead were destined for greatness, Owsley provided the financial support that kept the band going during their early days. As their longtime soundman, he faithfully recorded many of their greatest live performances and designed the massive, space-age Wall of Sound system.
In this masterful biography, award-winning author Robert Greenfield brings Owsley's incredible life and times into full focus, offering a fascinating portrait of a true counterculture legend.