T24 International News
American guitarist Duane Eddy passed away at the age of 86, as confirmed by his wife Deed Eddy, stating that he died on April 30 in Franklin, Tennessee, and that the cause of death was cancer.
The Grammy-winning artist achieved instrumental hits in the 1950s and 60s. His reworking of the music titled „Peter Gunn“ re-entered the charts in 1986.
Known as the „Monarch of Twang“ due to his unique style, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2008, he was also enshrined in the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
Eddy’s representative stated on Variety’s website: „Duane inspired a generation of guitarists worldwide with his unique style. He was the first rock’n’roll guitar god, a humble and incredible person. We will miss him dearly.“
Eddy was born in Corning, New York in 1936 and started playing guitar at a young age. The self-taught Eddy’s distinctive sound has inspired many artists, from the Beatles to Blondie. Over his 70-year career, he sold over 100 million albums.
In 2011, Eddy told the BBC: „When people like Bruce Springsteen or John Fogerty say, ‚Duane has influenced me a lot,‘ that is one of the benefits and rewards of my work. That is more valuable to me than money and fame. It touches the heart directly.“
T24