What band was Ron "Pigpen" McKernan a member of?

Ron “Pigpen” McKernan was a member of the Grateful Dead. He was one of the founding musicians of the influential San Francisco rock band and performed with the group during its formative years and early rise to fame.

McKernan brought a strong blues, rhythm-and-blues, and soul influence to the band. He played keyboards, organ, harmonica, percussion, and guitar, and often served as one of the Grateful Dead’s lead vocalists. His gritty stage presence and blues-centered performances helped distinguish the group before it became best known for extended psychedelic improvisations.

Before becoming the Grateful Dead, the musicians performed as the Warlocks. The band changed its name in 1965, and McKernan remained an important member until declining health limited his participation. He died in 1973 at age 27, but remains closely associated with the band’s original lineup and early sound.