Jim Marshall, the founder of Marshall Amplification, died a legend today at the age of 88. Without Marshall’s electric expertise rock music would not sound the same.

Musical instruments act as cameras that capture the essence of the artist playing them. Whenever an artist plugs into a Marshall amplifier, they are posing for a glamour shot.

The London born Lord of Loud was an electrical engineer by day and a singer and drummer at night during World War II. He built a portable amplification system so his light, crooning vocals could be heard over his drums. He noticed that the amplifier improved his stage presence and focused his energies on refining the instrument. It took him six attempts to create an amp he was happy with.

He was the first person to stack amplifiers to create a wall of sound.

His company, Marshall Amplification, has created kits used by some of the biggest names in rock, producing amplifiers with an iconic status.

Check out this smokin YouTube video that showcases a Marshall shoot-out:

Fans from around the world tweeted his loss:

R.I.P. Jim “Lord of Loud” Marshall: Heaven will be louder with Jim Marshall joining them.I still enjoy your… bit.ly/HQCwXV

— philmug feed (@philmugfeed) April 5, 2012

Let’s have a moment of super loud distortion in mourning of Jim Marshall

— Brett Arnold (@snoogans913) April 5, 2012

Rip Jim Marshall I love your Shredmaster pedals – thanks for making guitars sound cooler.

— matt stevens (@mattstevensloop) April 5, 2012

RIP Jim Marshall..the man responsible for starting the ‘volume war’ among guitarists..a true inventor that wanted to make music better

— Jeffrey DiIorio (@JeffOreo) April 5, 2012

The founder of the most iconic rock amp has passed away. Rest in piece Jim Marshall, and thanks for all of the sounds you made possible.

— Chas Myers (@TheChasMyers) April 5, 2012

The loss of Jim Marshall deeply saddens me. My love of the Marshall amp/company will always be a part of my life. More: twitpic.com/95z5q0

— Bruce Kulick (@brucekulick) April 5, 2012

Turning it up to “11” tonite in his honor MT @cerphe Jim Marshall, 88…passed away today. The ‘Father of Loud’… fb.me/NPHJE1yU

— Bayou Documentary (@BayouDocumentry) April 5, 2012