Description: (Singer, Musician)
Ron McKernan, also known as Pigpen, was a founding member of the Grateful Dead and played with the band from 1965 to 1972. He was influenced by African-American music, particularly the blues, and self-taught in harmonica and piano. Initially the frontman, he played harmonica and electric organ, but had difficulty adjusting to the band's changing sound. McKernan's health suffered due to alcoholism and liver damage, which led to his retirement from touring in 1972. He passed away in 1973 at 27 years old.