NEW YORK (AP) — Legendary guitarist Duane Eddy, known for his pioneering work in shaping the sound of early rock ‘n’ roll with hits like “Rebel Rouser” and “Peter Gunn,” has passed away at the age of 86. Eddy, whose distinctive twangy guitar style influenced artists like George Harrison and Bruce Springsteen, died of cancer on Tuesday at a hospital in Franklin, Tennessee, according to his wife.
Eddy’s music, characterized by his raucous rhythms and unique sound created by emphasizing the bass strings of his guitar, resonated with audiences worldwide, selling over 100 million records. Despite his modesty about his technical skills, Eddy’s signature sound was unmistakable and solidified his place as a guitar hero.
Throughout his career, Eddy maintained his twangy sound, from his debut album “Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel” to the compilation “Twang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology.” Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Eddy’s influence extended beyond his own recordings.
Working closely with producer Lee Hazlewood in the 1950s, Eddy played a pivotal role in shaping the “Twang” sound, which Hazlewood later incorporated into Nancy Sinatra’s hit “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” Eddy’s commercial success peaked from 1958 to 1963 before slowing down in the ’70s with his hit “Freight Train.”
Despite stepping back from the spotlight in the 1980s, Eddy continued to record music, release albums, and work on production projects in Los Angeles. Born in Corning, New York, Eddy’s love for music developed early, leading him to pursue a career in guitar playing that saw him touring with Dick Clark’s “Caravan of Stars” and appearing in popular films.
Having garnered a wide following that included admirers like Paul McCartney and George Harrison, Eddy’s legacy in the music industry transcends his own recordings. His collaborations with former Beatles members solidified his impact on the world of music, leaving behind a lasting imprint on rock ‘n’ roll history.