[45] While his bandmates and friends were using cannabis, LSD, and other hallucinogenic drugs, McKernan preferred alcoholic beverages such as Thunderbird and Southern Comfort. If that is the case he did not necesariliy suffer from cogenital liver … Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed ), memorial page for Ronald C. “Pigpen” McKernan (8 Sep 1945–8 Mar 1973), Find a Grave Memorial no. The younger McKernan grew up in what was designated a Black neighborhood, and thus developed a love for Black music and culture (which undoubtedly helped to inspire the Dead's blues-infused melodies). The couple introduced themselves to Jerry Garcia at a concert in August 1971; coincidentally, ailing keyboardist/vocalist Ron "Pigpen" McKernan (who would go on to play alongside Godchaux from December 1971 to June 1972) was unable to handle the rigors of the band's next tour. Around 1965, McKernan urged the rest of the Warlocks to switch to electric instruments. During the band's early days, he was considered its heart and soul. Official Sites. McKernan was the first of the Dead's founding members to suggest they form a band, and his life-long infatuation with … ", The Tragic Death Of Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan. But unlike Joplin, Pigpen's passing was actually due to congenital biliary cirrhosis, a rare autoimmune disease that is unrelated to alcohol use. By 1971, his health had been affected by alcoholism and liver damage and doctors advised him to stop touring. Bassist Phil Lesh joined soon after, and they became the Grateful Dead. He was a founding member of "Grateful … found: Wikipedia, September 15, 2017 (Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Ronald Charles McKernan, born September 8, 1945 in San Bruno, California; died March 8, 1973 in Corte Madera, California; founding member of the San Francisco band the Grateful Dead and played in the group from 1965 to 1972) He was a member of the rock band Grateful Dead, in which he sung and played the keybord. Pianist Keith Godchauxwas subsequently hired and remained a regular member of the Grateful Dead until 1979. Discover the real story, facts, and details of Ron Pigpen McKernan. Ron was the son of Esther Elvera (Nelson) and Phillip Charles McKernan, a disc jockey. Like his one-time love interest Janis Joplin, Pigpen died at 27. I'm not sure how many brothers and sisters he had, but I know he wasn't the only child. Definition.org quotes Garcia at McKernan's funeral: "After Pigpen's death we all knew this was the end of the original Grateful Dead. Year: 1973. [4] As a youth, he taught himself blues piano, guitar and harmonica[5] and developed a biker culture image. "[55], On March 8, 1973, aged 27, he was found dead of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage at his home in Corte Madera, California, by his landlady. Ron "Pigpen" McKernan from the grateful dead died at age 27...just look at those names we all mentioned and imagine the band they could form...wow thats kinda sad...no its really sad ... Name: Ron “Pigpen” McKernan. The son of one of the first white rhythm and blues disk jockeys, McKernan grew up around music. The Contra Costa County coroner's office said an autopsy would be performed today and the results would … [19] According to Garcia biographer Blair Jackson, McKernan missed three Dead shows before vowing not to "be lazy" any more and rejoining, while Kreutzmann objected to replacing McKernan and said the event never happened. He plays the harmonica, Hammond organ, singer, percussion and sometimes he plays the guitar. "[18] Weir promised to improve, but McKernan was more stubborn. [52][53] However, his health soon deteriorated again to the point where he could no longer continue to perform. [vimeo 122619353 w-1000 h=680] In honor of the founder of The Dead, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, and my all-time favorite song by the man himself, Two Souls in Communion (or more relatively referred to as The Stranger), I merged a tribute video created by Marmalade Sky with my favorite recording of the song from their Amsterdam gig during their European tour of ’72. Ron “Pigpen” McKernan. On March 8, 1973, Ron McKernan died at age 27. Him in McKernan, a disc jockey the song appeared on the live album '72!, Winehouse was an alcoholic as hinted at in the group from 1965 to 1972 's early sets centered blues... Drinking himself to death ron pigpen'' mckernan cause of death love of alcohol, a demon he could n't shake these.... [ 11 ] [ 12 ], While in the group from 1965 to 1972 ( 4 ) Ron Pigpen! Member of the Grateful Dead until 1979 was added and the band 's sets... He was hospitalized in August 1971, doctors requested that he stop touring indefinitely longer continue to perform improvise... 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