According to reports, guitarist Duane Eddy, who gained notoriety for his twangy riffs on songs like “Rebel Rouser” and “Cannonball,” passed away at the age of 86.
On Wednesday, an aide to Eddy’s family informed Variety that he had passed away in his family’s presence.
“Duane’s distinctive ‘Twang’ sound has influenced a generation of guitarists worldwide.” He was the original rock and roll guitar god, an amazing, genuinely humble man. He will truly be missed, the representative told Variety.
CNN has also made contact with Eddy’s agents.
The Grammy winner began playing the guitar at the age of five. He was born on April 26, 1938, in Corning, New York state.
Eddy gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s thanks to a string of chart successes that highlighted his unique sound, such as “Peter Gunn” and “Because They’re Young.”
Additionally, the 1994 film “Natural Born Killers,” the 1994 film “Forrest Gump,” and the 1996 film “Broken Arrow” all featured Eddy’s music.
He received inductions into both the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum (2008) and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994).
According to a statement from Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, “the Duane Eddy sound will forever stitch into the fabric of country and rock & roll.”
“Famous instrumentalists are uncommon. However, Duane Eddy’s electric guitar had a distinct voice. His voice was rough and twangy, gruff and manly. According to Young, Duane had over thirty hits on the pop charts.
The Ventures, George Harrison, Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, Marty Stuart, and thousands of other downtown rock stars were among those who became influenced by his style to learn how to rumble and touch people deeply. This was perhaps more significant than his actual style.
The founder of the UK band The Kinks, Dave Davies, gave a tribute on X on Thursday.
“I’m stunned right now. One of my biggest inspirations was Duane Eddy. He wrote, “He was so important in so many ways.
Eddy had a reputation for playing US-manufactured Gretsch guitars, which also shared an announcement on X.
“We are extremely sorry to learn of Duane Eddy’s passing. According to the post, “He was a legendary guitarist who inspired generations with his pioneering twangy sound and musical innovations.”
“His legacy will live on forever in the corridors of rock ‘n’ roll history.”
Aspiring musicians should spend a few hours learning to play along to music by listening to it, according to Eddy’s 2012 interview with Music Radar.
“You gotta love the music, you gotta want to play so much it hurts. It’s gotta be your passion,” he said.
