Famous Pipe Smokers

Vincent van Gogh and Pipe Smoking

April 27, 2023 by John McElheny

9 Comments

Vincent van Gogh remains one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of western art, with his creative output continually impressing modern critics and capturing the attention of even the most casual of art fans. The Dutch painter's work is displayed around the world in museums and galleries ... Read More

The Ballad of Stringbean: Life and Death on Music Row

March 23, 2023 by Gabriel Bass

5 Comments

While one may not immediately associate the name Stringbean with much beyond the green pods hanging in the garden, 50 years ago it called to mind banjo music, laughter, and grief. While people of a certain generation may remember the Stringbean from shows like Hee Haw and the Grand Ole Opry, he was ... Read More

Harlan Ellison: Writer and Pipe Smoker

February 3, 2023 by Davin Hylton

6 Comments

Harlan Ellison was called many things — abrasive, crass, hard-headed, egomaniacal, rude — but no one ever accused him of being quiet, or claimed he was one to hold his tongue. In fact, Ellison was one of those larger-than-life figures whose personality, wit, and passion seemed at times to overshadow his artistry ... Read More

David Bowie and Pipes: The Mystery of The Bewlay Brothers

January 6, 2023 by Gabriel Bass

10 Comments

In 1971, David Bowie returned to the studio to begin work on a follow-up to The Man Who Sold the World. While many consider that album to be a classic today, it was a commercial failure on its release, and the pressure was on to produce a hit, or at least something that would make it onto the charts. Hunky Dory's ... Read More

The History of Santa Claus, Pipe Smoker

December 23, 2022 by Chuck Stanion

42 Comments

Many of us enjoy Christmastime, not only because we may find some new tobacco under the tree, but because the rituals of the season stimulate memories of past yuletides. Childhood Christmas magic insinuates itself into the present, enveloping us again in the certainty that miracles do happen. That childhood certainty may fade with ... Read More

In Celebration of Mark Twain's Birthday

December 7, 2022 by Chuck Stanion

7 Comments

One hundred and twelve years ago this week, Mark Twain delivered his 70th birthday speech at Delmonico's in New York. The dinner was held on December 5, 1905, a few days after his November 30 birthday. It's an interesting coincidence that another world-class satirist, Jonathan Swift, shares that birthday with Twain. Swift, sadly, did not smoke a pipe, but Twain smoked enough for both of them and more. ... Read More

Joe Lankford Passes, Blender of Seattle Pipe Club Tobaccos

September 8, 2022 by Chuck Stanion

14 Comments

There are people in our hobby who may seem like ordinary folks but whose quiet contributions provide influential advancements. Joe Lankford was such an individual. He passed away on September 3, leaving behind many appreciative pipe smokers who will continue enjoying the pipe tobaccos that he originated for the Seattle Pipe Club, tobaccos like Plum Pudding and Mississippi River, two particular favorites among pipe smokers. ... Read More

Rhythm, Blues, and Briar: Stevie Ray Vaughan

August 26, 2022 by Gabriel Bass

12 Comments

Stevie Ray Vaughan's life and musical ability are the stuff of legend, as anyone with a passing familiarity with the blues is likely aware. The virtuoso guitarist mastered his instrument while still a teen, honing his skills in the nightclubs of his native Texas before encountering sudden success after his performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival ... Read More

Peterson and Dracula: 125 Years of History

May 24, 2022 by Chuck Stanion

4 Comments

Through the 1890s, two very different Irish artisans worked diligently on what would be their greatest professional accomplishments: Charles Peterson perfected his System patents for Peterson pipes, and Bram Stoker composed his most famous novel, Dracula. ... Read More

Jody Davis: The Rock Star Pipe Maker

March 18, 2022 by Chuck Stanion

8 Comments

Jody Davis is the lead guitarist for The Newsboys, a Christian rock band of enormous popularity. "It's probably the biggest band you've never heard of," he jokes. Jody is a well-grounded individual who has not let his musical fame alter his boyish charm and self-deprecating sense of humor. He says that talent had less to do with his success than chance and good fortune. ... Read More