Fred “Link” Wray
May 2, 1929 – November 5, 2005
Link Wray was a loud playing rock ‘n roll guitarist who was credited for popularizing the “power chord” which would be become the staple for hard rock, heavy metal and punk in later years. Nothing better exemplifies Wray’s loud use of the power chord than his 1958 instrumental hit single, “Rumble.” Wray began singing and playing guitar as a youngster, but when he caught tuberculosis while serving in Korea, a lung was removed, so he had to give up singing, and therefore put more emphasis on his guitar. During the mid ’50s, Wray and his group were the house band for a daily Washington DC music television program called Milt Grant’s House Party, where they backed up the likes of Ricky Nelson and Fats Domino. It was while entertaining the show’s audience between acts that Wray came up with the instrumental that would later be called “Rumble” when picked up and released by Cadence Records. Even though the song had no lyrics, it caused a bit of a stir upon release. Due to it’s “aggressive” sound and title, many radio stations banned it because they felt it glorified juvenile delinquency. Wray, and in particular, that song have been noted as direct influences on the likes of Jeff Beck, Pete Townshend, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix and Neil Young. During the ’70s and ’80s, Wray’s career experienced a renaissance during the rockabilly revival. He joined up with Robert Gordon for a couple of critically acclaimed and relatively successful rockabilly flavored albums. A number of Wray’s classic recordings have found new life thanks to prominent placement in such films as Pulp Fiction, Pink Flamingos and Independence Day. Link Wray was 76 when he passed away on November 5, 2005.
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