Jim Marshall, 'The Father Of Loud', Dies Aged 88

Jim Marshall, the founder of the Marshall amplification company has passed away, aged 88, BBC News reports today (April 5, 2012). Marshall was dubbed 'the Father of Loud' and created amplification equipment used by some of the biggest names in the history of rock music. A statement on the Marshall company website refers to Jim as a "legendary man" who led a "truly remarkable life."

Marshall started out when he owned a music shop in London and 50 years ago he founded the company known as Marshall Amplification. The company's amplifiers sell across the world and Marshall amps continue to be some of the most iconic products associated with music. Notable musicians known to use Marshall amps have included Kurt Cobain, Slash of Guns N Roses and even Jimi Hendrix. Slash posted a message in tribute on Twitter today, that read "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!"

Originally, his early amps were based on Fender's Bassman amp, though after several attempts, he created what became known as 'the Marshall sound.' The company's statement added "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."