Duane Eddy
April 26, 1938 – April 30, 2024
As reported by the Associated Press, Duane Eddy, the groundbreaking guitar virtuoso whose distinctive, reverberating sound defined an era of rock ‘n’ roll, passed away at age 86. He died of cancer on Tuesday, April 30, at Williamson Health hospital in Franklin, Tennessee, as confirmed by his wife, Deed Abbate.
Eddy’s raucous rhythms, punctuated with backing hollers and hand claps, propelled him to sell over 100 million records worldwide. His unique approach to recording, favoring the resonant bass strings of the guitar for their tape presence, became synonymous with his signature sound.
Born in Corning, New York, Eddy spent his formative years in Phoenix, Arizona, where he began playing guitar at the tender age of 5. His career took flight in 1958 with the release of “Rebel Rouser” on Jamie Records of Philadelphia, launching him into stardom and paving the way for a lasting impact on music history. Eddy’s influence extended far beyond his own hits, inspiring artists like George Harrison and Bruce Springsteen. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
From his debut album Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel to the comprehensive anthology Twang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology, Eddy’s music encapsulated the essence of rock ‘n’ roll, earning him a reputation as a pioneer of the “Twang” sound. Throughout the 1970s, Eddy contributed behind-the-scenes in music production, notably in Los Angeles. He moved to Nashville in 1985 after a period of semi-retirement in Lake Tahoe, California. A notable collaborator, Eddy worked with icons like Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, John Fogerty and the Art of Noise with whom he joined forces to reimagine “Peter Gunn” in 1986, Eddy’s first dance hit!
Duane Eddy’s impact on the music industry transcended generations, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of rock ‘n’ roll. His technical prowess and innovative approach continue to resonate with musicians and fans alike. Eddy’s contributions endure as a testament to his remarkable talent and enduring influence on the evolution of popular music.
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