Duane Eddy, twangy guitar icon of early rock, dead at 86

Duane Eddy, the renowned guitarist whose distinctive twangy sound defined an era of rock music, has sadly passed away at the age of 86. His wife, Deed Abbate, confirmed that Eddy lost his battle with cancer on April 30 at Williamson Health Hospital in Franklin, Tennessee.

Eddy, a trailblazing figure in the music industry, revolutionized guitar playing by focusing on the bass strings rather than the high ones, setting the stage for a new generation of musicians. Throughout his illustrious career, he sold over 100 million records and was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

His debut album, "Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel," released in 1958, introduced the world to his iconic "twang," a sound that would become synonymous with his name and influence artists like George Harrison and Bruce Springsteen. Eddy's musical legacy was further immortalized in his 1993 box set, "Twang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology."

Reflecting on his career, Eddy acknowledged his unique sound, stating, "I had a distinctive sound that people could recognize, and I stuck pretty much with that." Despite not considering himself the most technically skilled guitarist, he attributed his success to his ability to connect with audiences through his music.

Following his hit "Freight Train" in 1970, Eddy felt it was time to slow down, transitioning away from the cutting edge of the industry. Despite his reduced activity in the 1980s, he continued to live off his royalties, a testament to the enduring popularity of his music.

Born in Corning, New York, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Eddy's journey to musical stardom began at the age of 5 when he first picked up a guitar. His dream of performing on the Grand Ole Opry led him to sign with Jamie Records of Philadelphia in 1958, launching his career with hits like "Rebel Rouser."

Throughout his life, Eddy remained humble about his singing abilities, acknowledging that his greatest contribution to the music industry was his instrumental prowess.

Duane Eddy leaves behind a musical legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians. His innovative approach to the guitar and unmistakable sound will forever be remembered, ensuring that his place in rock and roll history remains secure.