The Fat Angel Sings

Randy Tuten is the only poster artist whose work spans five decades of design for The Fillmore. The 23 year-old San Francisco native was hired by Bill Graham in January, 1969, and their mutual taste for traditional, readable design style led to a long-lasting work relationship. Although influenced by the compositions of “Fillmore Five” artists Mouse, Kelley and Griffin, Tuten avoided “… Heavy meaning in my posters.” Tuten’s style reflected his skill as a draftsman, and his designs evolved into an eclectic mix of graphic imagery, lettering and photographs.