Ron "Pig Pen" McKernan

Ron “Pigpen” McKernan

Ronald C. (Pigpen) McKernan was born on September 8, 1945 and passed away on March 8, 1973 from internal hemorrhaging caused by his drinking. Ron was a founding member of the Grateful Dead and his contributions to the band included vocals, Hammond organ, harmonica, percussion, and occasionally guitar. Accordingly, starting a rock band was actually Ron McKernan's idea, and he was the Grateful Dead's first front man.