Jim Marshall – the founder of Marshall amplification – has passed away at the age of 88.
The impact of technology on popular music cannot be understated. For many, the Marshall amplifier remains the cornerstone of rock music, being used by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to AC/DC and Sunn O))).
Yet this impact can be attributed to just one man. Beginning life as a drum kit retailer, Jim Marshall later became obsessed with crafting the perfect amplifier.
Working through a number of prototypes, it took Jim Marshall six attempts before he became satisfied. Thankfully, his design was so unique, so inventive and so ahead of its time that it would almost instantly become a brand leader.
Launched in 1965, the Marshall amp offered power without diluting the sound. Rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the rock revolution, the amplifier underpinned guitar greats such as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.
Later becoming the weapon of choice for Metal acts, the Marshall amp remains an instantly recognisable symbol of rock Armageddon.
Marshall Amps have posted an obituary on their website, notifying fans of their founder’s passing. It 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 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.
– – –
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues.
