Pioneering rock’n’roll legend and the “king of twang” Duane Eddy has died at the age of 86.
Per a report from the BBC, Eddy’s widow Deed Abbate revealed that the legendary musician had succumbed to cancer on April 30, and that he was surrounding by his family.
“Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakeable signature ‘Twang’ sound. He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed,” a rep said in a statement to Variety.
Duane Eddy, who had enjoyed a career spanning over six decades, is best known for hits such as ‘Rebel Rouser’, the titular theme song for the hit TV series Peter Gunn, ‘Forty Miles of Bad Road’ and ‘Because They’re Young’ among various others.
Eddy began learning guitar on his own at the age of five after moving to Phoenix, Arizona. As a teen, he met producer Lee Hazlewood who co-wrote and produced some of the guitarist’s early hits, like 1957’s ‘Moovin and Groovin’ and 1958’s ‘Rebel Rouser’.
Duane Eddy. Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Over the course of his career, Eddy had become known for the “twang” sound that he pioneered on the guitar. In a 1986 interview with The Associated Press, he said of the “twang”: “I had a distinctive sound that people could recognize and I stuck pretty much with that. I’m not one of the best technical players by any means; I just sell the best. It’s a silly name for a nonsilly thing. But it has haunted me for 35 years now, so it’s almost like sentimental value — if nothing else.”
Despite not singing, Duane Eddy clinched a whopping 16 hits in the Top 40s between the late 1950s and ’60s, going up against other musicians like Elvis Presley. Eddy was also said to be a big influence on The Beatles‘ Paul McCartney and George Harrison and other guitar heroes include Bruce Springsteen.
In 1987, Eddy released a self-titled album – his first record in 20 years – featuring guest appearances from music greats like McCartney, Harrison, John Fogerty, Jeff Lynne, Steve Cropper and many more. That year, he also performed on Paul McCartney’s ‘Rockestra Theme’.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
Following the news of his passing, several musicians have paid tribute to the late Duane Eddy. Mick Fleetwood wrote: “Yesterday in my studio I said this riff needs to sound like Duane Eddy! As I picked up my Gretsch white falcon guitar! Saddened of the passing of this understated man who had talents more than most knew. Grateful for learning to play drums listening to his music.”
For Duane Eddy yesterday in my studio I said this riff needs to sound like Duane Eddy! As I picked up my Gretsch white falcon guitar! Saddened of the passing of this understated man who had talents more than most knew. Grateful for learning to play drums listening to his music. pic.twitter.com/I3vRjFCUpR
— Mick Fleetwood (@MickFleetwood) May 1, 2024
The Kinks‘ Dave Davies wrote: “I’m in shock. Duane Eddy was one of my most important influences. He was so important in so many ways.”
I’m in shock. Duane Eddy was one of my most important influences. He was so important in so many ways. What did he die of? He wasn’t that old. Not Duane. I thought he’d live forever. https://t.co/p7tQV2PEsQ
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) May 2, 2024
Nancy Sinatra wrote: “Duane Eddy and I were friends for nearly 60 years and I am heartbroken over his passing… Farewell, old friend, godspeed and stay cool.”
Duane Eddy and I were friends for nearly 60 years and I am heartbroken over his passing. Sending love and condolences to Deed and the family and their friends. Farewell, old friend, godspeed and stay cool. pic.twitter.com/IiqPk4abL9
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) May 2, 2024
A great memory of @DuaneEddy jamming with Eric Brace and the late Peter Cooper a few years ago in Nashville. RIP the Titan of Twang #rip #duaneeddy pic.twitter.com/DG1d7Wl8Lu
— Bob Harris (@WhisperingBob) May 2, 2024
(1/3) In Memoriam: 1994 Inductee Duane Eddy was a rock & roll guitar god who invented twang. He created a distinctive sound and recorded a string of instrumental hits in the late 1950s that proved hugely influential on countless musicians. Eddy’s reverberating, bass-heavy guitar pic.twitter.com/3YtiqIZnNo
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) May 1, 2024
(3/3) hit around the world and won a Grammy. Eddy was one of the musicians most responsible for popularizing the electric guitar in America, and his impact on artists like the Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Bruce Springsteen is incalculable. pic.twitter.com/f318Q78p08
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) May 1, 2024
”Duane Eddy’s electric guitar was a voice all its own. His sound was muscular and masculine, twangy and tough. He inspired thousands of hillbilly cats and downtown rockers to rumble. His sound will forever be stitched into the fabric of country and rock & roll.”
—Kyle Young, CEO pic.twitter.com/DoMuLyfAjn
— Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (@countrymusichof) May 1, 2024
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Duane Eddy. As a legendary guitarist, he inspired generations with his pioneering twangy sound and musical innovations. His sound will forever echo in the halls of rock ‘n’ roll history. Rest in peace, Mr. Eddy, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/WimwCVecsw
— Gretsch Guitars (@GretschUSA) May 1, 2024
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