Jim Marshall, the creator of the loud amplifier died at age 88 after suffering from several strokes and cancer.
Marshall introduced the amplifier to the rock music arena in 1960s. The stack of amplifiers dominated the industry during the following years. In 1960s The Who, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix and several decades later AC/DC, Motley Crue, Guns and Roses, and Nirvana all others in between have used the inescapable Marshall stack.
Born in London on July 29, 1923, Marshall spent his early childhood in hospitals due to a rare decease, bone tuberculosis. Due to late start in life, he began self-studies in engineering and took refuge in music. He gave guitar lessons and came in contact with famed musicians in London. He first succeeded in creating a 50-watt amp but due to the demand from the rock music industry he later developed a two stack 100-watt amplifier. Midrange and lower end products were introduced later. Twice he received the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement and honored by the Queen with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire award.
Marshall who twice married and divorced is survived by a son and a daughter, two stepchildren, and several grand and great grandchildren.