Duane Eddy, a legendary guitar icon whose electrifying sound defined early rock ‘n’ roll with hits like “Rebel Rouser” and “Peter Gunn,” passed away at the age of 86 after battling cancer. His wife, Deed Abbate, confirmed his death at Williamson Health hospital in Franklin, Tennessee.
Eddy’s distinctive style, characterized by reverberating rhythms and twangy guitar tones, left an indelible mark on music history, influencing artists like George Harrison and Bruce Springsteen. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Eddy’s legacy is synonymous with the “Twang” sound, which he described as both sentimental and defining.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Eddy collaborated with producer Lee Hazlewood to pioneer the “Twang” sound in the 1950s, which later influenced hits like Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” Enjoying commercial success from 1958 to 1963, Eddy’s career spanned more than five decades, marked by iconic tracks such as “Freight Train” and “Rebel Rouser.”
While Eddy recorded over 50 albums and contributed theme music to several movies, he remained humble about his technical prowess, attributing his success to his recognizable sound rather than technical expertise. Despite turning down offers like the James Bond theme song due to its lack of guitar prominence, Eddy’s influence resonated across generations.
Born in Corning, New York, and raised in Phoenix, Eddy’s passion for music began at a young age. He achieved his dream of signing with Jamie Records in 1958, kickstarting his career with the hit “Rebel Rouser.” Throughout his career, Eddy toured with Dick Clark’s “Caravan of Stars” and collaborated with music legends like Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
After years of semi-retirement, Eddy settled in Nashville in 1985, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians worldwide. Despite his reluctance to sing, Eddy’s instrumental prowess and iconic sound cemented his status as a guitar hero and a pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll.
