American Guitarist Duane Eddy, revered as one of the pioneers of rock and roll, has passed away at the age of 86 on April 30 in Franklin, Tennessee, due to cancer, as confirmed by his wife Deed. Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Eddy enjoyed a string of instrumental hits and later re-entered the charts in 1986 with a revamped version of his song “Peter Gunn.”
Renowned for his unique style, he earned the title “King of Twang” and was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, followed by the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2008. Recognized for his unmistakable ‘Twang’ sound, Eddy’s influence transcended generations, inspiring artists from The Beatles to Blondie.
Born in Corning, New York, in 1936, Eddy was a self-taught guitarist whose distinctive sound left an indelible mark on the music industry. Over his seven-decade career, he sold over 100 million records, with his influence resonating in iconic tracks like The Beatles’ “Day Tripper,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Born To Run,” and Blondie’s “Atomic.”
Reflecting on his legacy in a 2011 BBC interview, Eddy expressed profound gratitude for the acknowledgment of his impact by fellow musicians, emphasizing the personal significance it held for him beyond fame and fortune. With his passing, the music world mourns the loss of a true trailblazer whose contributions continue to echo through the annals of rock history.
