Alton Kelley

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Kelley worked closely with fellow artist Stanley Mouse in 1966-1967 at their shared studio located at 715 Ashbury, directly across the street from the famous 'Grateful Dead house.' This period defined the visual language of the era. Kelley's artwork on the 1971 self-titled live album, Grateful Dead, notably incorporated a black and white illustration of a skeleton by Edmund Sullivan. This specific image originally appeared in a 19th-century edition of the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, which Kelley adapted for the band's release.

In Their Own Story

In 1966-1967, he established his creative presence at 715 Ashbury alongside Stanley Mouse, Rick Griffin, and Victor Moscoso. Their collaboration extended beyond posters; together with Mouse, Kelley designed the wings and beetles for every Journey album cover. Later in his career, he continued to support artists and causes, such as designing and printing a limited edition poster of Jack Kerouac in 1995 to raise money for the Jan Kerouac Benefit Fund. He also created the cover art for King's X's album Ear Candy in 1996.

Reader's Guide

Alton Kelley was born on June 17, 1940, and passed away on June 1, 2008, at the age of 67 after a long illness. His journey began in Connecticut before he became a central figure in the San Francisco art scene. For fans seeking to understand his contributions, look for the skull and roses image he co-created with Stanley Mouse for the Grateful Dead. Additionally, identify the wings and beetles on Journey album covers as his joint work with Mouse. In 1971, verify the Edmund Sullivan skeleton illustration on the Grateful Dead live album. His legacy also includes the 1995 Jack Kerouac poster for the Jan Kerouac Benefit Fund and the 1996 King's X Ear Candy cover.

Did You Know?

• Alton Kelley worked as a welder in Connecticut before becoming an artist.
• His studio at 715 Ashbury was located directly across the street from the Grateful Dead house.
• The skeleton on the 1971 Grateful Dead live album is based on a 19th-century illustration by Edmund Sullivan.
• In 1995, Kelley designed a limited edition Jack Kerouac poster to raise funds for the Jan Kerouac Benefit Fund.
• He co-founded the Berkeley Bonaparte distribution agency with Rick Griffin, Stanley Mouse, Victor Moscoso, and Wes Wilson.