Sonny Barger, born on August 8, 1938, in Modesto, California, grew up with a love for motorcycles. This passion would eventually lead him to become a prominent member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
In 1966, author and journalist Hunter S. Thompson wrote about the Hells Angels in his book "Hell's Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs," featuring Sonny Barger. This exposure helped Barger become a well-known figure in the motorcycle community.
Sonny Barger published his first motorcycle-themed book, "Hell's Angel: The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club," in 2000. He went on to release other works such as "Freedom: Credos from the Road," "Let's Ride: Sonny Barger's Guide to Motorcycling," and "Dead in 5 Heartbeats." Several of his books were adapted into films, further solidifying his reputation as a writer.
Barger was a founding member of the Oakland, California chapter of the Hells Angels. Later on, he relocated to Arizona and joined the organization's Phoenix chapter. His dedication to the club earned him a respected position within the Hells Angels community.
In the 1980s, Sonny Barger faced a challenging battle with throat cancer. Despite this health scare, he continued to ride motorcycles and contribute to the biker lifestyle that he cherished.
Sonny Barger passed away at the age of 83 after fighting liver cancer. His impact on the motorcycle world and his contributions to literature continue to be remembered by those who admired his work.
Sonny Barger's legacy as a novelist and member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club lives on, inspiring a new generation of riders and writers. His story serves as a reminder of the passion and determination it takes to truly live life on the open road.