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by Pamela Macey (Editor), Barbara Abbes (Contribution by), Teressa Asencia (Author)
Dino Valentii, songwriter of the 60's hit song, "Get Together" and lead singer and guitar for Quicksilver Messenger Service, was born as Chester Powers. Young "Chet" grew up as a high wire flyer in a traveling carnival. In his late teens, he began performing music and singing in the all night jam sessions in Village folk Clubs of New York City with Bob Dylan, David Crosby and many other young upcoming musicians.After moving to San Francisco, he became famous as Dino Valenti, founding member of Quicksilver Messenger Service. At the age of 21, he was arrested on a marijuana charge. While stuck in prison in San Quentin he saw the Blacks fighting the Mexicans and in a flash he wrote his world famous song "Get Together". When Dino's parole was rejected he desperately needed legal fees and sold the rights to "Get Together" to the Young Bloods for 1,000$ to allow him to write a writ to the Supreme Court. Dino's first hit song was recorded by the Young Bloods. https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBJYxPN8qIAOnce he obtained parole, Dino returned to Quicksilver Messenger Service as lead singer and lead guitar. Rolling Stones Magazine named Dino "The Underground Bob Dylan". Mo Ostin, legendary Director of Warner Music, recognized and nurtured Dino's great musical talent and arranged several recording contracts. After many years of active recording and touring with Quicksilver Messenger Service, Dino was diagnosed with a major brain tumor. During the years before he passed away, Dino wrote and recorded many new songs that are not yet produced. "Legacy of Love". Memoire of Dino Valenti by Teressa AsenciaAs we stood on top of the beautiful hillside overlooking the grave site of and songwriter and rock star, Dino Valenti, I felt Dino's powerful spirit uniting his family, friends, band members and managers present for his final "Get Together". Memories of my life friendship and love with Dino flooded my heart and mind. I saw myself at the helm of Brigadoon, Dino's 65 foot Schooner and heard his exalted music as we sailed wing and wing under the Golden Gate Bridge, remembering how we sailed together for six months before I knew he was famous. While each person described their own unique relationship with Dino, memories continued to play in my mind's eye. I witnessed the striking way Dino appeared to me in dreams more real than life after I moved back East...then heard his musical voice as he called me many years later to tell me he had just survived major brain surgery and needed me. In the weeks and months before I returned to California, he called me often. After each phone call, a new poem poured through me full blown. During our exalted final days together, as Dino sang his new songs to me with tears in his eyes, I knew that many of these songs would be greater hits than his first hit "Get Together".
