The Extraordinary Life and Times of Augustus Owsley Stanley III: A Pioneer of Music and Psychedelics

In the realm of music, one name stands out as a legendary figure, not only for his contributions to sound but also for his influence in the realm of psychedelics. Augustus Owsley Stanley III, popularly known as "Bear," changed the world in ways that were both audacious and revolutionary. From his days as a concert sound engineer to becoming the foremost manufacturer of quality LSD, Stanley's life and times were nothing short of extraordinary.

Early Years and the Call of Music

Born on January 19, 1935, in Kentucky, Augustus Owsley Stanley III showed an early inclination towards music and audio engineering. It was during his time at the University of California, Berkeley, that Stanley's true passion for music blossomed. He soon found himself working as a sound engineer for various artists and bands, including the internationally renowned Grateful Dead. Stanley played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the quality and experience of live sound.

Bear: The Life and Times of Augustus Owsley Stanley III

by Robert Greenfield (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2571 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	285 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Psychedelic Movement and Stanley's Role

As the 1960s unfolded, so did the psychedelic revolution. Stanley saw the transformative potential of mind-altering substances and dedicated himself to expanding consciousness through LSD. His unmatched expertise in chemistry led to the production of remarkably pure and potent LSD, popularly known as "Owsley acid." This illicit production operation, one of the largest of its time, introduced thousands to the psychedelic experience.

Innovations and Impact

Beyond his contributions to sound engineering and psychedelics, Stanley's impact on the counterculture era cannot be overstated. His sophisticated sound systems allowed for the birth of the "jam band" culture, where musicians could perform extended improvisational sessions without compromising audio quality. These innovations had a lasting influence on the development of music genres such as rock, jazz, and electronic music.

Legal Troubles and Legacy

Despite his positive contributions, Stanley found himself entangled in legal troubles due to his illicit psychedelic production. In 1970, he was arrested and sentenced to prison, effectively putting an end to his career in manufacturing LSD. Nevertheless, his defiant spirit and lasting legacy continue to resonate within the realms of music, art, and counter-culture. Even today, Owsley Stanley is regarded as a pioneer who explored the boundaries of human consciousness in unparalleled ways.

The life and times of Augustus Owsley Stanley III encompassed an era of musical revolution and transformative experiences. From his innovative sound engineering techniques to his manufacture of high-quality LSD, Stanley demonstrated an unwavering dedication to exploration and expansion. While his legal troubles cut his journey short, his influence continues to ripple across generations. Augustus Owsley Stanley III will forever be remembered as an icon and legend of the psychedelic movement, shaping culture and society in unimaginable ways.

Bear: The Life and Times of Augustus Owsley Stanley III

by Robert Greenfield (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2571 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	285 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The creator of the dancing bear logo and designer of the Wall of Sound for the Grateful Dead, Augustus Owsley Stanley III, better known by his nickname, Bear, was one of the most iconic figures in the cultural revolution that changed both America and the world during the 1960s.

Owsley's high octane rocket fuel enabled Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters to put on the Acid Tests. It also powered much of what happened on stage at Monterey Pop. Owsley turned on Pete Townshend of The Who and Jimi Hendrix. The shipment of LSD that Owsley sent John Lennon resulted in The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour album and film.

Convinced that the Grateful Dead were destined to become the world's greatest rock 'n' roll band, Owsley provided the money that kept them going during their early days. As their longtime soundman, he then faithfully recorded many of the Dead's greatest live performances and designed the massive space age system that came to be known as the Wall of Sound.

Award-winning author and biographer Robert Greenfield’s definitive biography of this Grateful Dead legend masterfully takes us through Owsley's incredible life and times to bring us a full picture of this fascinating man for the first time.