The founder of Marshall Amps, Dr Jim Marshall OBE has passed away at the age of 88
James Charles “Jim” Marshall, OBE (born July 29, 1923 in London – April 5, 2012), known as The Father Of Loud, was a pioneer of guitar amplification.
The Marshall amp Launched in 1965. Rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the rock revolution, the amplifier underpinned guitar greats such as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.
The Marshall amp remains an instantly recognisable weapon of choice for Metal acts/ Rock Industry.
There has been an official announcement posted on Jim’s website:
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 ground breaking 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.