Guitar amp innovator Jim Marshall, dubbed "the Father of Loud" for creating kit used by some of rock's biggest names, has died aged 88. Mr Marshall, who originally owned a music shop in London, founded Marshall Amplification 50 years ago. He had suffered several strokes in recent years, and developed cancer at the end of 2011, his son said. A statement posted on the company's website called him a "legendary man" who led a "truly remarkable life".
Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain are among the musicians who used Marshall amps.
Jim Marshall began building amplifiers in the early 1960s, using the Fender Bassman amp as a model, creating what later became known as "the Marshall sound". After talking to Pete Townshend and Ritchie Blackmore, who were customers at the shop, he realised there was a gap in the market to make a cheaper alternative to the other models available at the time.
It took him six attempts to create an amp he was happy with.
Mr Marshall will be remembered alongside guitarmakers Leo Fender and Les Paul for shaping the sound of the modern electric guitar.
