Pioneering rock ‘n’ roll star Duane Eddy has died (Picture: Getty/Shutterstock)
Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Duane Eddy has died aged 86.
The Grammy-winning artist died of cancer on Tuesday in hospital in Tennessee, surrounded by his family.
His representative told Variety: ‘Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakeable signature ‘Twang’ sound.
‘He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed.’
The pioneering musician was known for his characteristically ‘twangy’ sound, and rose to fame in the 1950s and 60s.
Eddy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2008.
He died of cancer aged 86 (Picture: AFF-USA/Shutterstock)
The Grammy-winning artist was known for his ‘twangy’ style (Picture: Shutterstock)
He sold more than 100million records over his incredible career, which spanned seven decades.
Eddy’s biggest hits included Cannonball in 1958, Forty Miles of Bad Road in 1959, while several of his albums hit the charts with debut LP Have ‘Twangy’ Guitar Will Travel peaking at the number five spot in 1959.
His 1960 single Peter Gunn returned to the charts in 1986 when it was remade with Art of Noise.
It won the Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental of 1986.
He sold more than 100million records (Picture: Dezo Hoffman/Shutterstock)
His style was echoed on the likes of The Beatles’ Day Tripper, Blondie’s Atomic and Bruce Springsteen hit Born to Run.
Eddy told the BBC in 2011: ‘When people come right out, like Bruce Springsteen or John Fogerty, and say: “Duane was a big influence,” that’s just one of the perks and rewards of what I did.
‘That’s worth more to me than money and the fame. That goes right to the heart.’
Fans and stars alike have paid tribute to Eddy, with Nancy Sinatra sharing a picture on X and writing: ‘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.’
Calling Eddy ‘The Sultan of Twang’, she added: ‘Duane was a gifted musician who blessed some of my records with his unique sound. Nobody sounded like him. The hauntingly beautiful guitar on “She Won’t” from Nancy & Lee 3 was Duane. He wrote a remarkable song.’
The Kinks’ guitarist David Davies wrote: ‘I’m in shock. Duane Eddy was one of my most important influences. He was so important in so many ways. What did he die of? He wasn’t that old. Not Duane. I thought he’d live forever.’
Mick Fleetwood said: ‘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.
The CEO of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Kyle Young, added: ‘Duane Eddy’s electric guitar was a voice all its own. His sound was muscular and masculine, twangy and tough. He inspired thousands of hillbilly cats and downtown rockers to rumble. His sound will forever be stitched into the fabric of country and rock & roll.’
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