Died On This Date (June 8, 2013) Arturo Vega / Ramones Logo Designer
themusicsover Arturo Vega
1948 – June 8, 2013
Arturo Vega was a graphic designer who is best remembered for his 20+ years of creative service for the Ramones. Originally from Mexico, Vega emigrated to the United States during the ’70s, and settled in New York City. He soon became friends with the band and even let Joey Ramone and Dee Dee Ramone live in his loft for at time. As the band’s artistic director since 1974, Vega created many of the band’s logos including their iconic “Hey Ho Let’s Go” shield logo. For many years, t-shirts that were adorned with the shield where the main source of income for the band. His handy work can be seen on such albums as Ramones, Leave Home, and Ramones Mania as well. Vega also worked as the Ramone’s lighting director and claimed to have been at all but two of the their 2200+ shows. In later years, he managed the band’s website. Arturo Vega was 65 when he passed away on June 8, 2013. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus at Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.
What You Should Own
Joey Covington was a journeyman drummer who is perhaps best remembered for his tenure with both Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. Playing since the age of 10, Covington found his influence in jazz drummers of the day. He also took a shine to the playing of the great Sandy Nelson. By the time he was 14, he had already been playing with local polka groups for a couple of years, often chaperoned by his parents. He soon gave his parents the slip and found work playing in strip club bands, which was fairly common for up-and-coming rock drummers during the ’50s and early ’60s. During high school, Covington started playing with fellow students in rock bands. When he turned 20, he went to New York City where he found work playing in back-up bands for such visiting acts as the Supremes, the Fenways, and the Shangri-Las. He also played in the band for a 