(NationRise.com) – American guitar legend and so-called “King of Twang” Duane Eddy died of cancer on April 30 at the age of 86 at his home in Franklin, Tennessee. In a statement, his wife said that he had a peaceful death and was surrounded by his family and loved ones.
He was born in Corning, New York, back in 1938, and began his musical journey as a child, self-teaching himself the guitar. His biography reveals a humble start, far from the glitz of music academies. Yet, his dedication and talent propelled him to sell over 100 million records, a testament to his sheer musical talent.
Eddy was considered by music experts to be one of the greatest guitarists in rock and roll history, as he was so skillful and had such a distinctive style that he became the main inspiration for many guitarists in the US and around the world. Eddy, who won a Grammy Award in 1987 for best rock instrumental performance, made numerous hits in the 1950s and 1960s with a series of instrumental rock songs that became cult classics.
While many thought that his fame was starting to vanish during the 1970s and 1980s, Eddy reached the top again with a remake of his legendary song Peter Gunn, which the critics praised as bold and extraordinary.
In 1994, the guitar legend conquered another historic milestone as he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which officially made him one of the greatest rock and roll legends of all time. Despite the honorable recognition of his career, many journalists claimed back then that such an important musician like Eddy should’ve been inducted way before.
In a separate statement, Eddy’s manager said that the guitar legend will always be remembered for the way he mesmerized many guitarists and musicians with his unique “Twang sound.” The manager also said that the world of music should always remember Eddy not only as the first “guitar god” of rock and roll but also as a loving and humble person.
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