Duane Eddy, a pioneer in pop music in the 1950s known for his twangy guitar playing style, passed away at the age of 86 due to complications from cancer. He achieved immense success in the late 1950s and 60s as an instrumental recording artist, selling millions of records with hits like “Rebel Rouser” and “Forty Miles of Bad Road” which played a major role in establishing the electric guitar as a predominant instrument in rock ‘n’ roll. His influence can be seen in the work of artists like George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Bruce Springsteen, who have all cited Eddy as an inspiration.
Eddy, who was self-taught and never learned to read or score music, had a strong ear for different pop genres such as country, jazz, and rhythm and blues. He also had a penchant for experimentation in the studio, using unique techniques like bringing a water tank into a session to create echo effects. His approach to the guitar, marked by his rhythmic melodicism and use of the vibrato bar, made him easily recognizable, leading to multiple Top 40 hits between 1958 and 1963, including songs like “Because They’re Young” and “Cannonball.”
Most of Eddy’s early recordings were made in collaboration with producer Lee Hazlewood, and backed by a group of talented musicians known as The Rebels, which included members of the renowned Wrecking Crew. Eddy was born in New York in 1938 and started playing guitar at a young age, eventually moving to Arizona where he met Hazlewood and began their musical partnership. He began touring as a guitarist in the late 1950s and later signed with RCA, releasing instrumental albums that continued to showcase his unique style.
While his hit singles dwindled in the mid-1960s, Eddy remained active in music by releasing albums and collaborating with artists like Bob Dylan. The rockabilly revival in the 1970s helped to reignite interest in his work, while the 1980s saw a resurgence in popularity when his music was featured in films and he won a Grammy Award with the Art of Noise. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville in 2008, solidifying his status as a music legend.
Despite his success as an instrumentalist, Eddy never pursued singing, feeling that his voice was not suited for it. His focus on the guitar allowed him to carve out a unique niche in the music industry, setting him apart from other artists. Eddy’s legacy lives on through his innovative guitar playing style and his influence on generations of musicians. He is survived by his wife, three children, a sister, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of music.
