Saturday, April 7, 2012

Dr. James Marshall.

You may be aware of the news, but it's impossible not to mention it. 
The Father of Loud, the undisputed lord of sound amplification, Dr. James Marshall died of cancer at age 88. 

If you're into rock and/or guitar, you have most certainly heard plenty of music through a Marshall amplifier. Actually, I don't even know another reference in the world of amplifiers, but again, I'm kinda ignorant in that field. But the Marshall logo stands as one of the most recognizable in the whole music industry. 

The story of Marshall amplifiers started in the 1960's when James Marshall was asked by the customers of his guitar store (including Pete Townshend) to develop a trustable guitar amplifier. Along the years, Marshall's name become synonymous of loud sound and hard rock, thanks to performers like Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page or Slash.  

Dr. Marshall's contribution to the music industry and his generosity to many causes earned him the title of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). 

More recently, the Marshall logo appeared on headphones, which are not really related to the Marshall technology. Anyway, it helped the name to expand its fame outside the world of rock. 

Read the obituaries of the L.A. Times and The Guardian

RIP Dr. Marshall. 

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