Ron "Pigpen" McKernan (1945-1973) was a multi-instrumentalist and lead vocalist of the Grateful Dead. Born in San Bruno, California and raised in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, he had a distinguished career as a musician. He started playing music while in high school and joined the pre-Grateful Dead band The Warlocks in 1965. During his time with theDead, Pigs played organ, harmonica, guitar, and sang lead vocals, particularly in blues and R&B. His unique and soulful vocal style won him many fans. After leaving the Grateful Dead in 1972 due to health reasons, McKernan pursued a career in solo music. At the time of his death in 1973, McKernan was in the process of recording his solo album but unfortunately never finished it. He was 27 years old.