American guitarist, Duane Eddy, rock ‘n’ roll pioneer who had a string of hits in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, and hailed one of the ‘founding fathers’ of the genre, has sadly died at 86.
The music legend achieved solo stardom with many influential hits, including the theme to TV series “Peter Gunn” and “Rebel Rouser.” The Grammy Award winner died of cancer, and was surrounded by his family.
Guitarist Duane Eddy dies at 86
Duane is said to have passed away at a hospital near his home in Franklin, Tennessee, surrounded by his family after a battle with cancer.
“Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakable signature ‘Twang’ sound,” his rep said in a statement (via Variety). He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed.”
During his impressive career, Eddy celebrated 16 top 40 singles between 1958 and 1963, and is said to have helped inspire world-famous guitarists such as Bruce Springsteen and The Beatles’ George Harrison.
“Duane Eddy’s first of many, many hits, 1958’s ‘Rebel Rouser,’ almost single-handedly established the institution of the guitar hero,” Kyle Young, chief executive of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, told Variety. “Instrumentalists don’t usually become famous. But Duane Eddy’s electric guitar was a voice all its own.”
“His sound was muscular and masculine, twangy and tough. Duane scored more than thirty hits on the pop charts. But more importantly, his style inspired thousands of hillbilly cats and downtown rockers — the Ventures, George Harrison, Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, Marty Stuart, to name a few — to learn how to rumble and move people to their core.”
He concluded by saying: “The Duane Eddy sound will forever be stitched into the fabric of country and rock & roll.”
Tributes pour in for the star
As the sad news circulates, fans, friends and celebrities have taken to X, formerly known as Twitter to share their condolences and celebrate his career.
“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,” wrote Frank Sinatra’s daughter, Nancy.
“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,” penned Mick Fleetwood, of Fleetwood Mac.
“The rebel has moved to the other world but he will never be forgotten this side,” one fan tweeted.
RIP.
The post Rock n roll's first 'guitar God' tragically dies - 'Incredible human being' and legacy appeared first on Celebrity Tidbit.
