the legacy
In 1960 Norman Collins opened another tattoo shop on the island, this time at 1033 Smith St. Artists from around the world flock to beg for a position in his shop, or as his apprentice. With so many artists stealing and imitating his work, Sailor Jerry was cautious of who he permitted to learn his trade. He eventually invited three artists to apprentice under him: Ed Hardy, Mike Malone, and Kazuo Oguri.
Norman Collins died of a heart attack June 12, 1973 while out of a ride on his motorcycle. He was buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. His will state that his shop and possessions were to be left to Ed Hardy and Mike Malone; if these wishes were not met, everything was to be burned.
The Sailor Jerry legacy lives on vivaciously today. Ed Hardy and Mike Malone created Sailor Jerry Ltd., which markets the 92 proof spiced Caribbean rum and all of the Sailor Jerry merchandise. Every year a Sailor Jerry Festival is held in Chinatown on the island of Oahu. Sailor Jerry's signature style is alive and well across the skin of thousands of people today.
