Jim Marshall passes away at age 88

Jim Marshall OBE, known as the Father of Loud for his influential Marshall amplifiers, passed away at the age of 88, in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, on April 5, 2012.

Jim’s pioneering work on guitar amplifiers has gained him legendary status. He is hailed as one of the four forefathers of rock music equipment, alongside other greats – Les Paul, Leo Fender and Seth Lover. The cause of death at the time of this writing is still unconfirmed.

Along with musicians and fans everywhere, we mourn the loss of this great man, and at the same time celebrate his legendary accomplishments as well as his big impact on contemporary music.

His giant accomplishments were first met with enormous opposition in the form of a disease called tubercular bones. Because of this disease, Jim had to spend many years in the hospital, affecting his studies in the process. Thankfully this did not stop him from earning his keep as a singer and a part time drummer.

His drumming took priority and soon, he was a popular drum instructor teaching 65 pupils a week – his students include big name drummers like Micky Waller of Little Richard, Mitch Mitchell of The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Mick Underwood who played the drums for Ritchie Blackmore.

He wisely used his earnings from teaching and playing the drums to enter into business – most notable of which is his moderately successful music store in Hanwell, West London. At first they offered drums, and then they branched out into selling guitars. Some popular guitar players who frequented his store spoke to Jim about the need for an amplifier that is bigger and louder – something different from the common clean and jazz sounding amplifiers prevalent in that era. This gave Marshall an idea and he began producing prototype amplifiers with the help of an 18-year old electronics apprentice that he recruited.

After five failed attempts, Marshall was finally happy with the 6th prototype – this is the amp that first produced the signature “Marshall sound” that would later revolutionize rock music. This gave birth to Marshall Amplification who produced their first amplifier in 1962 – which was immediately used by top musicians – including Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton. After only two years, Marshall opened up its first factory in Hayes and global distribution soon followed.

Marshall amplifiers went on to be the main amplifier of choice for rock guitar players of varying styles – the list includes Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, U2, Metallica, Slash, Jeff Beck and many more. In 2003, Jim was OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his ground breaking work on music and his quiet charity efforts.

James Charles Marshall, born July 29, 1923, and is survived by his four children. Countless musicians both professionals and amateurs have given their respect and condolences to the Marshall family.