Sonny Barger, born Ralph Hubert Barger on October 8, 1938, in Modesto, California, is a prominent American biker and a key figure in the outlaw motorcycle club scene. He is best known for being a founding member and longtime leader of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
Barger grew up in the turbulent post-World War II era and found a sense of rebellion and camaraderie in the motorcycle culture that emerged during the 1950s. In 1957, he, along with a group of like-minded individuals, co-founded the Oakland chapter of the Hells Angels, one of the most infamous motorcycle clubs in the world. The club quickly gained a reputation for its rebellious and anti-establishment ethos.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Barger and the Hells Angels became synonymous with the outlaw biker lifestyle, often involved in clashes with law enforcement and rival gangs. Barger himself faced legal troubles, including arrests and convictions related to various criminal activities.
Despite the controversies surrounding the Hells Angels, Barger emerged as a charismatic and influential figure within the motorcycle club. His leadership style and ability to navigate the complex dynamics of the outlaw biker world solidified his status as an iconic figure in American counterculture.
In the late 1990s, Barger distanced himself from the Hells Angels, officially stepping down as the club’s national president in 2000. He cited disagreements with the direction of the club and internal disputes as reasons for his departure. After leaving the Hells Angels, Barger focused on writing and public speaking, sharing his experiences and perspectives on the biker lifestyle.
Sonny Barger has authored several books, including his autobiography, “Hell’s Angel: The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club,” which provides insights into his life, the club’s history, and the challenges he faced.
While Barger remains a controversial figure, there is no denying his impact on the motorcycle club culture and his enduring influence on the popular perception of outlaw bikers. Despite the tumultuous and often dangerous nature of his life, Sonny Barger stands as a symbol of rebellion and independence within the annals of American subcultures.