‘YOSEMITE’ SAM RADOFF | KUSTOM KING FLAMECOLOGIST, STRIPER & SCULPTOR
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‘Yosemite’ Sam Radoff started customizing cars at the tender age of 12 yrs old– way before he was even old enough to drive! That was back in the mid ’50s, and he went by handle ‘Little Sam’ then. Some 45 years later Radoff is one of the most respected flamers (I love his ol’ crab claw flame jobs), pinstripers, and metal sculptors the kustom kulture scene has ever known. Dr. ‘Yosemite’ Sam, PhD (Phlame Doctor) has also produced custom motorcycle and pinstriping shows across the country.
Despite his vast exposure, he is not widely a household name like Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth, Kenny Howard AKA Von Dutch, Dean Jeffries, George Barris, Arlen Ness– but those in the know recognize and respect Sam Radoff as being just as important. His legendary work and countless awards over the years speak for themselves.
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RELATED TSY POSTS:
ARLEN NESS’ SECRET WEAPON DURING THE ’70s CHOPPER BOOM | JEFF McCANN
ED “BIG DADDY” ROTH | RAT FINK KING OF SOUTH CALI KUSTOM KAR KULTURE
HOLLYWOOD’S INNOVATIVE KUSTOM KULTURE LEGEND | DEAN JEFFRIES
THE LEGENDARY STRIPER VON DUTCH | STILL ALIVE AND LIVING IN ARIZONA ’72
KENNY HOWARD | THE MASTER PAINTER & STRIPER ALSO KNOWN AS VON DUTCH
BIKES, BIKINIS, BEER & BEACH | VINTAGE DAYTONA BEACH BIKE WEEK
ULTIMATE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL ON WHEELS | THE 1970′s VAN CUSTOMIZATION CRAZE
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Love Sam’s work. He definitely has made some great works of art and continues to today.
Yosemite Sam always got a lot of play in Custom Chopper (later, Custom Bike) magazine, and in Truckin’ magazine. That’s where I first saw his work, in those magazines. While his metal styling was a little over the top for me, his paintwork used to draw me in. I used to aspire to do the intricate multi-maskings, fades, and shadings he accomplished. Not even close! I’m glad you decided to do this piece on him, and I’m glad to see he’s still doing what he’s always done – so many other are gone, or have “hung up” their guns and brushes.
Amazing work, superb!
Beautiful! Any more info on that blown bike in the last picture?
Well, I’m not into show queens but I can appreciate the painting talent,even if it’s not my style. That’s when chopper building steered compleatly away from it’s original intent,much like most of the bikes in todays chopper rags,way ,way over-done. You’re either low- key or your tack-y. It’s hard to beat a black paint job on a tastefuly done bike w/minimal doo-dads. Still interesting though,beats skateboards.
Tim
Love this Blog! Glad to see more posts, and looking forward to my t shirt.