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Jim Marshall Dead: Guitar Amp Innovator Dies at 88

Posted on Apr 5th 2012 9:40AM by Contessa Gayles Comments

AP Photo, Chris Radburn, PA Wire

As reported by our sister site Spinner, Jim Marshall, one of the early masterminds behind the guitar amp, has passed away at the age of 88. The music icon, fondly nicknamed "the Father of Loud," founded the popular Marshall Amplification 50 years ago in 1962.

"Jim rose to become one of the forefathers responsible for creating the tools that allowed rock guitar, as we know and love it today, to be born," an official statement on Marshall's company website reads.

"In addition to the creation of the amps, chosen by countless guitar heroes and game changing bands, Jim was also an incredibly humble and generous man who, over the past several decades, has quietly donated many millions of pounds to worthy causes."

Marshall's iconic amps have been, and continue to be, used by all of music's greats since the 1960s. Rockers like former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash are recognizing Marshall's contribution and expressing their condolences.

"The news of Jim Marshall passing is deeply saddening. R & R will never be the same w/out him. But, his amps will live on FOREVER!" Slash posted on his Twitter account.

Marshall was born July 29, 1923 in Acton, West London. According to his son Terry Marshall, the music pioneer died in a hospice in England this morning (April 5) after suffering from cancer and several severe strokes.

"Rest in Peace & thank you Jim," the statement continued. "Your memory; the music and joy your amps have brought to countless millions for the past five decades; and that world-famous, omnipresent script logo that proudly bears your name will always live on."

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