Iconic guitarist behind the “twang” sound that shaped early rock music
Duane Eddy, the legendary US rock ‘n’ roll guitarist renowned for his signature “twangy” sound, has passed away at the age of 86. He died on Tuesday from cancer at Williamson Health hospital in Franklin, Tennessee, as confirmed by his wife, Deed Abbate.
Eddy made his name with instrumental hits like Rebel Rouser, influencing generations of musicians, including George Harrison of The Beatles. His distinctive style, characterised by raucous rhythms, hand claps, and backing vocals, helped him sell over 100 million records worldwide, establishing him as one of the key figures in the development of rock ‘n’ roll.
“I had a distinctive sound that people could recognize and I stuck pretty much with that. I’m not one of the best technical players by any means; I just sell the best,” Eddy shared in a 1986 interview with The Associated Press. He humbly acknowledged that while others were more technically proficient, his approach was about delivering a sound that resonated with listeners.
Eddy’s trademark “twang” was evident from his debut album, Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel, through to his 1993 anthology, Twang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology. Reflecting on the enduring nature of his sound in 1993, Eddy said, “It’s a silly name for a nonsilly thing. But it has haunted me for 35 years now, so it’s almost like sentimental value — if nothing else.”
In 1994, Eddy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his impact on the genre. He recorded over 50 albums during his career, though by the 1980s, he slowed his output, living off his royalties.
His influence extended beyond his own music, as both Paul McCartney and George Harrison admired his work. Eddy played on McCartney’s Rockestra Theme and collaborated with Harrison on his 1987 album, further cementing his place as a rock pioneer.
