by Chris Morris
May 2, 2024
Duane Eddy, who became the first stand-alone rock ‘n’ roll guitar star with a string of instrumental hits in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s including the theme to TV series “Peter Gunn” and “Rebel Rouser,” died April 30 in Franklin, Tenn., He was 86.
A rep for the guitarist said he was surrounded by his devoted wife Deed and his family. “Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakeable signature ‘Twang’ sound. He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed,” the rep said.
He notched 16 top-40 singles, including three top-10 45s, from 1958-63. In the notes for a 1993 Rhino Records compilation of the musician’s work, historian Dan Forte noted, “Duane Eddy’s first of many, many hits, 1958’s ‘Rebel Rouser,’ almost single-handedly established the institution of the guitar hero.”
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