'The Father of Loud' - Jim Marshall Dies

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Pioneering inventer of Marshall amps was 88

Jim Marshall who invented Marshall Amplifiers and became known as ‘The Father of Loud’, has died aged 88.

A drummer and drum teacher from Acton he used his earnings to set up his small shop in Hanwell in the mid 1960s.

Talking to customers such as as Richie Blackmore and Pete Townsend he realised there was a gap in the market for a cheaper guitar amp and devised his own.

Guitar legend Jimi Hendrix was just one of the people who bought an amp from him personally.

Marshall Amplifiers, with their distinctive logo,are now an industry standard at venues across the world.

A statement on the Marshall website reads:

"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved founder and leader for the past 50 years, Jim Marshall. While mourning the Guv'nor though, we also salute a legendary man who led a full and truly remarkable life.

"Jim's ascent into the history books as 'the Father of Loud' and the man responsible for 'the Sound of Rock' is a true rags-to-riches tale. Cruelly robbed of his youth by tubercular bones, Jim rose to become one of the four forefathers responsible for creating the tools that allowed rock guitar as we know and love it today to be born. The groundbreaking quartet also includes the late, great trio of Leo Fender, Les Paul and Seth Lover – together with Jim, they truly are the cornerstones of all things rock.

"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.

"While the entire Marshall Amplification family mourns Jim's passing and will miss him tremendously, we all feel richer for having known him and are happy in the knowledge that he is now in a much better place which has just got a whole lot louder!

"Rest in Peace & thank you Jim.

"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."

 

5th April 2012