Warren White; Guitar Maker, Key Figure in Folk Music Boom

Warren White, 58, who died homeless yet only 20 years ago was making guitars that continue to sell for $2,000 each. White was credited with providing many of the tools for the 1960s folk music revolution, crafting classical and flamenco guitars in his shop in San Francisco’s bustling North Beach. But as the years went by, friends said, alcoholism got the better of White. White, who was known for his long blond hair and beard, offbeat clothes and eccentric behavior, would work for days on a guitar. But in later years, friends said, he’d then smash it in a drunken rage. He spent his final years shuffling between the streets of Santa Cruz and San Jose, but stayed in contact with old friends. In Los Gatos, Calif., on Wednesday when his sleeping bag caught fire.