Duane Eddy, 'the first rock'n'roll guitar god', dead at 86

Duane Eddy, the legendary guitarist who brought a distinctly 'twangy' sound to the world of rock'n'roll in the 1950s, has died of cancer. He was 86.

Eddy, an inductee in both the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame and Musicians Hall of Fame, is known as the "titan of twang", a reference to the distinct guitar sound that made him a sensation in the 1950s and 60s.

"Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakable signature 'Twang’ sound," Eddy's family wrote in a statement.

"He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed."

That sound saw Eddy focus his riffs on the bottom three strings of the guitar, in defiance of the higher pitched rock'n'roll riffs of the time, and utilise a tremolo arm to give a unique vibrato effect to the sound.

As a teenager living in Arizona, Duane Eddy met producer Lee Hazlewood who co-wrote and produced some of the guitarist's early hits, like 1957's Moovin' and Groovin' and Eddy's best-known song, 1958's Rebel-'Rouser.

The enduring appeal of his guitar work saw Eddy's music continue to find new audiences all through his life.

His version of Henry Mancini's Peter Gunn was a massive hit in 1959, and then again in 1985 when remixed by the UK's Art of Noise. That version won Eddy and the band the Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance that year.

Singles like Shazam and Because They're Young topped charts in the 1960s, while Play Me Like You Play Your Guitar, a song recorded alongside girl group the Rebelettes charted in 1975.

Eddy's appeal goes well beyond chart placement and awards. His style of playing and the sound of his guitar were so influential among guitarists in the fledgling rock'n'roll scene of the 1950s and 60s, they helped shape the sound of the surf music that would dominate part of the 1960s.

In 1987, Eddy released his first album in 20 years, featuring guest appearances from music greats like Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Fogerty, Jeff Lynne, Steve Cropper, Ry Cooder and many more. 

In tribute to Eddy, blues guitar master Joe Bonamassa called him "A true pioneer and bona fide legend", while Fleetwood Mac's Mick Fleetwood paid tribute to his enduring talents.

"Yesterday in my studio I said this riff needs to sound like Duane Eddy!" Fleetwood wrote on X.

"Saddened of the passing of this understated man who had talents more than most knew. Grateful for learning to play drums listening to his music."

On Facebook, Australian guitar great Tommy Emmanuel praised his hero's dedication to sticking by his unique sound.

"Thank you sir for showing us how to find our sound, and stick at it"

"Your sound and song choices were what made you a true artist! I will never forget your humble ways and kind words, always my hero."

Eddy is survived by his wife Deed, four children, five grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.