Ron McKernan

American musician

Also known as: Pigpen

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July 21, 2026

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Ron McKernan, also known as "Pigpen," was an American musician and a founding member of the influential psychedelic rock band Grateful Dead. Born in 1945, he was a keyboardist and vocalist, known for his blues-influenced style. McKernan was instrumental in the band's early development, performing at the Acid Tests, which were sound-and-light parties fueled by LSD. Despite the Grateful Dead achieving significant success as a touring band without many radio hits, McKernan's tenure was cut short. He passed away in 1973 at the age of 27 due to health issues.12

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27 Club
Ron (Pigpen) McKernan
In 1964 three friends in Palo Alto, California—guitarists and vocalists Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir and keyboard player Ron (“Pigpen”) McKernan—formed a jug band called Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions. By late 1965 they’d brought in bassist Phil Lesh and drummer Bill…
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In 1964 three friends in Palo Alto, California—guitarists and vocalists Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir and keyboard player Ron (“Pigpen”) McKernan—formed a jug band called Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions. By late 1965 they’d brought in bassist Phil Lesh and drummer Bill…
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Grateful Dead
…1947, San Francisco—died January 2026) Ron (“Pigpen”) McKernan (born September 8, 1945, San Bruno, California—died March 8, 1973, San Francisco) Phil Lesh (born March 15, 1940, Berkeley, California—died October 25, 2024, Marin, California) Bill Kreutzmann (also called Bill Sommers; born May 7, 1946, Palo Alto, California)
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…1947, San Francisco—died January 2026) Ron (“Pigpen”) McKernan (born September 8, 1945, San Bruno, California—died March 8, 1973, San Francisco) Phil Lesh (born March 15, 1940, Berkeley, California—died October 25, 2024, Marin, California) Bill Kreutzmann (also called Bill Sommers; born May 7, 1946, Palo Alto, California)
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