Duane Eddy, the iconic guitar legend whose electrifying, reverberating tunes like “Rebel Rouser” and “Peter Gunn” were pivotal in shaping the early landscape of rock ‘n’ roll, has passed away at the age of 86.
Eddy succumbed to cancer on Tuesday at Williamson Health hospital in Franklin, Tennessee, as confirmed by his wife, Deed Abbate.
Famed for his raucous rhythms and distinctive sound, Eddy’s music, characterized by backing hollers and hand claps, sold over 100 million records globally. He crafted his unique style based on the belief that a guitar’s bass strings resonated better on recordings than the higher strings.
Reflecting on his signature sound, Eddy once remarked, “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.” Despite his modesty, his influence extended far and wide, shaping the musical preferences of artists like George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen, and countless others.
Eddy’s musical journey began with his debut album, “Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel,” and continued through his extensive discography, culminating in the 1993 box set, “Twang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology.”
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Eddy’s collaboration with producer Lee Hazlewood during the 1950s helped define the “Twang” sound, which later found its way into hits like Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.”
Despite commercial peaks from 1958 to 1963, Eddy remained dedicated to his craft, refusing to compromise his artistic integrity. Hits like “Freight Train” showcased his versatility, while later endeavors saw him exploring music production in Los Angeles during the 1970s.
Born in Corning, New York, Eddy’s passion for music blossomed in Phoenix, where he began playing guitar at the tender age of 5. Dreams of performing at the Grand Ole Opry led him to sign with Jamie Records in 1958, setting the stage for the release of “Rebel Rouser.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Eddy toured with Dick Clark’s “Caravan of Stars,” graced the silver screen in films like “Because They’re Young,” and collaborated with music icons like Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
His legacy lives on not only through his timeless music but also through his profound impact on generations of musicians who continue to draw inspiration from his pioneering work.
