R.J. Rosini recieved his first tattoo from Philadelphia Eddie while in the Navy in the early 60's and it all started from there. After learning the trade, R.J. took his abilities to the motorcycle community, sometimes even via saddlebags. In the 70's he had the Denver Tattoo Co. amongst other shops in the Denver area. He was in attendance at the first tattoo convention in Houston, TX and continued to do the convention circuit till the end. One of his great passions in life was the tattoo studio in Sturgis, SD during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races. Over the decades he and his Gypsy Tour of Artists have gathered on the Corner of Junction and Main to tattoo the Rally masses. In the 80's he made his way to Montana where he had a studio in the Kalispell area. Also in the late 80's he merged his gypsy tour with Grimms Tattoo in Kansas City till the early 90's when he made the final move to Bozeman, Montana where he lived till the day he died. There he established Bozeman Dermagraphics, the world famous Tattoo Alley, that really did start in alley in the shop. While in Montana R.J. was instrumental in the forming of the states tattoo ordinance and served as State Director for the A.P.T.
R.J. Touched many lives over the years, whether it was at conventions, bike runs, or at his shop. He helped man tattoo artists find their potential, and strive for the best. He was a great advocate of safe and artistic tattooing, with always the best in mind. He was one that didn't mind telling you what was on his mind, no matter what. And we loved him for that.
On February 1st, Mr. R.J. Rosini of the infamous Gypsy Tour died, doing on e of the things that he loved best, attending a tattoo convention. He tattooed up to the day he died, something that I think that all of us in this profession would love to do.
Tattooing has lost another legend. R.J. was a recipient of the Bob Shaw Award, and the Tattoo Spirit Award, as well as an active member of many tattoo organizations. He left behind a great tattoo legacy that is being carried on by his tattoo family in the Rosini Gypsy Tour. He will be greatly missed and always remembered by his family and friends. To many he was a mentor, a father figure, a confidant, and best friend. His name iwll go on forever in the halls of tattoo history, and his Gypsy tour banner will fly at conventions and rallies for years to come spreading art wherever it goes.
Click here to see a gallery of RJ over the years
