Duane Eddy, a groundbreaking guitar hero known for his distinctive reverberating electric sound on instrumentals like “Rebel Rouser” and “Peter Gunn,” passed away at the age of 86. Eddy’s wife, Deed Abbate, confirmed that he died of cancer on Tuesday at the Williamson Health hospital in Franklin, Tennessee.
Eddy’s unique sound, characterized by raucous rhythms, backing hollers, and hand claps, helped shape the early days of rock ‘n’ roll and influenced countless musicians, including George Harrison and Bruce Springsteen. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Eddy mastered a distinctive style based on the idea that a guitar’s bass strings sounded better on tape than the high ones.
Despite not considering himself one of the most technically skilled players, Eddy’s sound was instantly recognizable and helped define the “twang” that became synonymous with his name. He embraced the term, using it in album titles from his debut, “Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel,” to his 1993 box set, “Twang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology.”
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Eddy’s collaboration with producer Lee Hazlewood in the 1950s helped create the “Twang” sound, which Hazlewood later adapted for Nancy Sinatra’s 1960s hit “These Boots Are Made for Walkin.'” Eddy’s commercial peak lasted from 1958 to 1963, and he recorded more than 50 albums throughout his career.
In addition to his music, Eddy scored theme music for movies such as “Because They’re Young,” “Pepe,” and “Gidget Goes Hawaiian.” He also worked behind-the-scenes in music production, mainly in Los Angeles, during the 1970s.
Eddy’s influence extended to legendary musicians like Paul McCartney and George Harrison, both of whom he recorded with after their Beatles days. Harrison even played on Eddy’s self-titled comeback album in 1987.
A humble musician who never considered himself a vocalist, Eddy’s contributions to the music industry were significant and long-lasting, cementing his place as a pioneering guitar hero who helped define the sound of early rock ‘n’ roll.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.