A new feature film about the life of Grateful Dead founding member Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Pigpen…a blues singer, is in the works. Produced by Terry Allen Fraser and Diana Raquel Sainz (‘The Encore of Tony Duran’), the biopic follows the life of Pigpen from his start as a young blues musician to his time as the Grateful Dead’s frontman.

“The world of the Grateful Dead continues to be huge,” Sainz says. “It’s still a strong international community of creative fans and loyal followers. Pigpen was part of the big picture, but met an early and untimely death at the age of 27. We are still in the development stages of this project, but the response, support, and feedback has been overwhelming. With the story transforming into what will entertain and illuminate music fans everywhere, the film will honor a talent that remains forever in the hearts of many—and is unknown to many more.”

Pigpen…a blues singer is slated for release in late 2013, honoring the 40th anniversary of the legendary musician’s death.