Influential guitarist Duane Eddy dies aged 86

Pioneering rock ‘n’roll guitarist Duane Eddy has died from cancer aged 86.

“Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakeable signature ‘Twang’ sound,” said a representative in a statement. “He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed.”

The Grammy-winning musician achieved solo success with a number of instrumental releasees, including ‘Rebel Rouser’ and the theme to TV series Peter Gunn.

Cited as an inspiration for the likes of Bruce Springsteen and George Harrison, Eddy was known for his distinctive rhythmic sound, which often featured hollers, hand claps and an emphasis on using the instrument’s lower strings.

He is credited with creating the distinctive ‘twang’ style alognside his producer Lee Halewood, which Hazlewood would utilise for Nancy Sinatra’s ‘These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.

Duane Eddy and I were friends for nearly 60 years and I am heartbroken over his passing. Sending love and condolences to Deed and the family and their friends. Farewell, old friend, godspeed and stay cool. pic.twitter.com/IiqPk4abL9

— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) May 2, 2024

Eddy recorded over 50 albums during his lifetime, including reissues, the vast majority before his retirement in the mid-1980s. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

“Instrumentalists don’t usually become famous. But Duane Eddy’s electric guitar was a voice all its own,” said Kyle Young, chief executive of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, speaking to Variety.

“His sound was muscular and masculine, twangy and tough. 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. The Duane Eddy sound will forever be stitched into the fabric of country and rock & roll.”