DETROIT – He wasn't a singer, didn't play guitar. He wasn't even in a band. But the name Gary Grimshaw will go down in Detroit's rock history.
Grimshaw passed away last year, but there's no question his legacy will live on. His iconic work is on display at a new exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum.
"He captured an entire culture and era through his art," said museum spokesman Bob Sadler. "We jumped at the opportunity to showcase his work."
Grimshaw grew up in Lincoln Park and spent his career working and living in Detroit and San Francisco. Simply, he was an artist who loved music. The legendary Grande Ballroom on Detroit's west side became the hot spot for music during the late 1960s and '70s and Grimshaw created posters for bands that graced the stage such as MC-5, Iggy and the Stooges, Led Zepplin and The Who.
"He continued his work through several generations and created his iconic posters for new bands like the White Stripes," Sadler said. "It just proves his work stands the test of time and rock enthusiasts from all era's know his work."
Grimshaw died in January of 2014 after suffering from health problems, including a brain tumor and multiple strokes. He is survived by his wife Laura Grimshaw who contributed items like his Detroit Music Award, paints and brushes to the museum. His posters had become so collectible that even he couldn't afford to buy his own work anymore -- some originals are even worth up to $4,000. Grimshaw's work is also on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, but now fittingly sits surrounded by the Detroit musicians he helped define through color and culture.
The Detroit Historical Museum is allowing you to take a piece of rock history home, replicas of some of Grimshaw's most famous posters are for sale at the museum gift shop.
His work will be on display through October of 2015.
Grimshaw's wife, Laura will join Local 4's Lauren Podell live in Studio on Local 4 Today Sunday, Jan. 25.