John Cipollina
August 24, 1943 – May 29, 1989
John Cipollina is perhaps best known as the lead guitarist for San Francisco psychedelic rock band, Quicksilver Messenger Service, but his great talent was was shared by a list of no fewer than 24 other acts, including the Grateful Dead. He was renowned for the unique sound he developed for his guitar and is considered one of the true architects of the San Francisco psychedelic sound. His impact was later recognized by Rolling Stone who ranked him as the 32nd greatest guitarist of all time. Cipollina died of as a result of chronic emphysema at the age of 45.