Duane Eddy, a legendary guitarist credited with shaping the sound of early rock and roll, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 86. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Eddy’s reverberating electric guitar riffs on iconic tracks like “Rebel Rouser” and “Peter Gunn” influenced countless musicians, including George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen, and Paul McCartney.
A Career Defined by Innovation and “Twang”
Born in Corning, New York, Eddy’s musical journey began at the tender age of 5 in Phoenix, Arizona. Though he initially dreamt of becoming a singer on the Grand Ole Opry, destiny had a different tune in store. In 1958, he signed with Jamie Records and released “Rebel Rouser,” a song that became synonymous with his name and signature style.
Eddy’s sound was distinct. He championed the use of a guitar’s bass strings, creating a unique “twang” that resonated with audiences. This distinctive sound became his trademark, evident in his first album, “Have ‘Twangy’ Guitar Will Travel,” and continued to define his music throughout his career, even influencing the production of Nancy Sinatra’s hit “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.”
Collaboration and Commercial Success
Eddy’s creative partnership with producer Lee Hazlewood in the 1950s proved to be a golden era. Together, they crafted the “Twang” sound that revolutionized the music landscape. This sound propelled Eddy to commercial success, with a five-year peak from 1958 to 1963. While his later hit “Freight Train” (1970) marked a shift towards a more easy-listening style, Eddy’s impact on rock and roll remained undeniable.
Throughout his career, Eddy recorded over 50 albums, including reissues. He also ventured into film scoring, composing memorable themes for movies like “Because They’re Young” (1960) and “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” (1961). Interestingly, Eddy famously rejected the opportunity to compose the James Bond theme song due to its lack of emphasis on guitar.
Beyond the Spotlight: Later Years and Legacy
The 1970s saw Eddy take a step back from the limelight, opting to work behind the scenes in music production, primarily in Los Angeles. Despite a semi-retirement period in Lake Tahoe, California, Eddy eventually settled in Nashville in 1985.
A testament to his enduring influence, Eddy found himself collaborating with former Beatles Paul McCartney and George Harrison after their time with the band. He played on McCartney’s “Rockestra Theme” and Harrison contributed his talents to Eddy’s self-titled comeback album, both released in 1987.
Eddy’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive sales figures, which exceed 100 million records sold worldwide. He is credited with pioneering a new sound for the guitar, one that redefined the genre and inspired generations of musicians. His unwavering dedication to his craft and his unique “twang” continue to shape the landscape of rock and roll even today.
