Guitarist Duane Eddy, renowned for his iconic twangy riffs featured in hits like “Rebel Rouser” and “Cannonball,” has passed away at 86, according to reports. A spokesperson for Eddy verified on Wednesday that he passed away, with his family by his side.
“Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakeable signature ‘Twang’ sound. He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed,” the rep told.
Born on April 26, 1938, in Corning, New York state, the Grammy-winning guitarist began his musical journey at the tender age of five.
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Eddy rose to fame, delivering a string of chart-topping hits like “Peter Gunn” and “Because They’re Young,” imprinting his signature sound in music history.
Eddy’s musical legacy extended beyond records, with his compositions gracing the soundtracks of notable films like “Natural Born Killers” (1994), “Forrest Gump” (1994), and “Broken Arrow” (1996).
His contributions to music were duly recognized with inductions into prestigious institutions: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2008.
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, paid tribute in a statement, saying “the Duane Eddy sound will forever be stitched into the fabric of country and rock & roll.”
“Instrumentalists don’t usually become famous. But Duane Eddy’s electric guitar was a voice all its own. His sound was muscular and masculine, twangy and tough. Duane scored more than thirty hits on the pop charts,” said Young.
“But more importantly, his style inspired thousands of hillbilly cats and downtown rockers — the Ventures, George Harrison, Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, Marty Stuart, to name a few—to learn how to rumble and move people to their core.”
On Thursday, Dave Davies, a founding member of the UK band The Kinks, offered his heartfelt tribute.
“I’m in shock. Duane Eddy was one of my most important influences. He was so important in so many ways,” he wrote.
Eddy was known for playing guitars made by US brand Gretsch, which also posted a statement on X.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Duane Eddy. As a legendary guitarist, he inspired generations with his pioneering twangy sound and musical innovations,” reads the post.
“His sound will forever echo in the halls of rock ‘n’ roll history.”
In 2012, Eddy advised aspiring musicians in an interview with music industry publication Music Radar to spend a few hours each day listening to music and practicing playing along.
“You gotta love the music, you gotta want to play so much it hurts, it’s gotta be your passion,” he said.