Today would have been the late Clarence Clemon’s birthday. From 1972 to 2011 “The Big Man” served the role of tenor sax in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

In many interviews  Clemons recalls when he and Springsteen first met; a story that has become legend:

One night we were playing in Asbury Park. I’d heard The Bruce Springsteen Band was nearby at a club called The Student Prince and on a break between sets I walked over there. On-stage, Bruce used to tell different versions of this story but I’m Baptist, remember, so this is the truth. A rainy, windy night it was, and when I opened the door the whole thing flew off its hinges and blew away down the street. The band were on-stage, but staring at me framed in the doorway. And maybe that did make Bruce a little nervous because I just said, “I want to play with your band,” and he said, “Sure, you do anything you want.” The first song we did was an early version of “Spirit in the Night.” Bruce and I looked at each other and didn’t say anything, we just knew. We knew we were the missing links in each other’s lives. He was what I’d been searching for. In one way he was just a scrawny little kid. But he was a visionary. He wanted to follow his dream. So from then on I was part of history.

Let’s make 2013 a big one! Peace, Love, & Happy New Year from everyone at Shelter Half.

Happy 66th Birthday, Patti!

Living the American dream. Work hard, play harder! 

Actor, director, and artist Dennis Hopper was a true American renaissance man. Staring in such films as Apocalypse Now, Rebel Without a Cause, and Cool Hand Luke, in addition to co-writing, directing, and acting in Easy Rider. He was also an integral part of LA’s defining art scene in the late 50’s and 60’s working along side artist like Ed Ruscha, Wallace Berman and Edward Moses. Featured here is a series of photos he took of close friend Jane Fonda as she practiced archery, in a bikini, for her upcoming role in Barbarella. At the time he was known to always have a camera in his hand, shooting everything he came in contact with, whether people liked it or not. We’re sure glad he did!

Today we were discussing Sonny Barger. Considered the Godfather of the Hells Angels MC out of Oakland, California. True American rebel, motorcycle enthusiast, and genuine bad ass. Not to be messed with.

“If I ever get too old to ride my Motorcycle, and have pretty girls, I’d rather just rob a Bank and go back to prison.” Sonny Barger

Happy 69th Birthday to Keith Richards. Pictured here at Joshua Tree, doing what he does. The man is a living legend, even though he’s not technically Made in the USA. Cheers!

Big shout out to the Indoek blog for the great Almond Surf Boards x Shelter Half pop up feature! If you haven’t already, be sure to stop in and check out the amazing installation, boards, product, and photos. Yew!

(Source: indoek.com)

Environment Furniture is a company that uses reclaimed materials to make new products with personal stories. One of their unique materials is vintage military tent, otherwise known as Shelter Half. These pre-Korean war, 100% cotton tents are rare, repurposed, and result in beautifully upholstered furniture with natural army green tint. This material is also where we got the name for our store, Shelter Half.