Guitar Legend Duane Eddy Passes Away at 86

Renowned for his resonating twang and influential guitar riffs, Duane Eddy, a legendary figure in the world of rock 'n' roll, has died at the age of 86. Celebrated for his electric guitar instrumentals such as 'Rebel Rouser,' 'Forty Miles of Bad Road,' and 'Cannonball,' Eddy's distinctive sound and style left an imprint on early rock music and inspired a legion of musicians including George Harrison and Bruce Springsteen.

A Pioneer of Rock Guitar

Born in Corning, New York, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Duane Eddy picked up the guitar at the tender age of five and nurtured a dream of playing on the Grand Ole Opry stage. His passion led him to sign with Jamie Records in 1958, and his career quickly took off with the hit 'Rebel Rouser.' With a backdrop of raucous rhythms, shouts, and claps, Eddy captured the attention of the music world, eventually selling over 100 million records globally.

The Twangy Sound That Defined an Era

Eddy’s music was grounded in the belief that the deeper bass guitar strings delivered a richer, more impactful sound on tape - a technique that became his trademark. He remarked in a 1986 interview with The Associated Press that his knack was in his distinctive sound rather than technical guitar skills. This unique approach earned his first album, 'Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel,' widespread acclaim, leading to a collection of over 50 albums including reissues.

Influence and Legacy

The 'Twang' style didn't just dominate Eddy's own music; it was also adapted by his producer Lee Hazlewood for other artists, notably in Nancy Sinatra's hit 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.' In recognition of his contributions to the music industry, Eddy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. His influence is also evidenced by collaborations with Paul McCartney and George Harrison after their Beatles days. Despite not being a vocalist, his instrumental expertise made his music business role significant.

The Later Years

After a lustrous five-year peak in his career, Eddy experienced a more relaxed phase. He confessed that a later hit 'Freight Train' was indicative of his move towards an 'easy listening' style. During the 1970s, Eddy took a step back from the limelight, focusing instead on music production work. After a period of semi-retirement, he resettled in Nashville in 1985, where he lived out much of his later life away from the public eye, 'living off my royalties,' as he put it.

The Final Bow

Ultimately, Duane Eddy's role in crafting the rock 'n' roll genre's sound cannot be overstated. His soulful guitar playing, which wove through the works of other great musicians and countless soundtracks, leaves behind an indelible legacy. Eddy passed away due to cancer at the Williamson Health hospital in Franklin, Tennessee, confirmed by his wife, Deed Abbate, but the twang of his guitar will reverberate through music history forever.

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