'Lord of loud' Jim Marshall dies

Jim Marshall, dubbed "the lord of loud" for his pioneering work on guitar amplifiers used by some of the greatest names in rock music, has died. He was 88. A spokesperson for the company he founded 50 years ago said he died in Milton Keynes, southeast England, Thursday morning. She could not confirm reports that he had been suffering from cancer and had a series of strokes. "While mourning the Guv'nor though, we also salute a legendary man who led a full and truly remarkable life," said a statement on his company's website. Tributes poured in for a man credited with helping to shape the sound of guitar rock. News of Marshall's death was "deeply saddening," former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash said in a Twitter message. "R & R will never be the same w/ out him. But, his amps will live on FOREVER!" His company said in a written tribute: "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." Marshall, with Leo Fender, Les Paul and Seth Lover are deemed the four forefathers of rock music equipment. Born in London in 1923, he started out as a drummer before going into business and founding Marshall Amplification in 1962. A young Pete Townshend, later lead guitarist for The Who, suggested around 1960 that Marshall expand his music shop to sell guitars and amplifiers as well as drums. Marshall hired an engineer employed by a record label to help him build prototype amplifiers. He rejected the first five attempts but was happy with the sound of the sixth - he received 23 orders for the new equipment on the first day alone. Legendary musicians including Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton were among the early Marshall amp users.