John Cipollina

Berkeley, California native John Cipollina (August 24, 1943 - May 29, 1989), musician, is best known for his work with the San Francisco rock band Quicksilver Messenger Service.

Related Topics:
Berkeley - California - August 24 - 1943 - May 29 - 1989 - San Francisco - Quicksilver Messenger Service

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He had a unique guitar sound, mixing solid state and valve amplifiers as early as 1968. He played with finger picks and used a whammy bar extensively, which he explained to Jerry Garcia was to make up for his weak left (tremelo) hand. Even more unusually, he attached four wurlitzer horns to the top of his distinctive amplifier stack. His style was highly melodic and expressive.

Related Topics:
Solid state - Valve - 1968 - Finger picks - Whammy bar - Jerry Garcia - Wurlitzer

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Cipollina died at the age of 46 from Emphysema following a lifetime of illness.

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