Ron "Pigpen" McKernan

Ron "Pigpen" McKernan (September 8, 1945 – March 8, 1973) was a founding member of the Grateful Dead. His contributions to the Grateful Dead included vocals, keyboar

Ron "Pigpen" McKernan (September 8, 1945 – March 8, 1973) was a founding member of the Grateful Dead. His contributions to the Grateful Dead included vocals, keyboards, harmonica, percussion, and guitar.

He was born in San Bruno, California to a San Francisco Bay Area R&B and blues disc jockey. McKernan grew up with many black friends and found a bond with the black music and culture. As a youth, McKernan began figuring out blues piano and developed a biker image that was to lead to the eventual cessation of his school career. In his early teens, McKernan left Palo Alto High school by mutual agreement with the school Principal. He developed a strong affinity for alcohol.