Renowned American guitarist Duane Eddy passes away at 86.
An agent for Eddy disclosed to Variety on a Wednesday that he had perished, accompanied by his family members.
"Duane impelled a multitude of guitarists across the globe with his one-of-a-kind 'Twang' tone. He was the primary rock and roll guitar deity, a truly humble and remarkable human being. He will be severely missed," the representative shared with Variety.
CNN attempted to attain in touch with Eddy's officials.
The Grammy award-winning artist was born in Corning, New York State, on April 26, 1938, and began playing the guitar at just 5 years of age.
Through the 1950s and '60s, Eddy gained popularity with several chart-topping hits including "Peter Gunn" and "Because They're Young," showcasing his special sound.
Eddy's tunes were also utilized in movies such as "Natural Born Killers" (1994), "Forrest Gump" (1994), and "Broken Arrow" (1996).
Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, as well as the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2008, Eddy's legacy prevailed.
In a declaration, Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, reminisced, saying, "the Duane Eddy sound will forever be sewn into the fabric of country music and rock & roll."
"Instrumentalists don't frequently become famous. But Duane Eddy's electric guitar was a voice all on its own. His music had a muscular, macho, twangy, and robust vibe. Duane notched over thirty hits on the pop charts," expressed Young.
"However, what's more, significant is that his style influenced countless hillbilly cats and urban rockers — including the Ventures, George Harrison, Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, Marty Stuart — to learn how to roar and move people to their very core."
In response, Dave Davies, the founder of British band The Kinks, acknowledged Eddy on Thursday.
"I'm in a state of shock. Duane Eddy was one of my most significant influences. He was vital in many ways," he expressed.
Eddy had a reputation for playing guitars made by American brand Gretsch, which also released an announcement on Thursday.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Duane Eddy. As a legendary guitarist, he impacted generations with his pioneering 'Twang' sound and creative innovations," the statement read.
"His sound will forever reverberate through the annals of rock 'n' roll history."
In 2012, Eddy advised aspiring musicians to spend a couple of hours a day listening to music and trying to perform along.
"You must cherish the music, you must be so eager to play it hurt so badly, it must be your deepest passion," he said.
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Duane Eddy's musical legacy continued to make waves in the entertainment industry, with his iconic guitar riffs featured in popular movies like "Natural Born Killers" and "Forrest Gump."
Fans and fellow musicians remembered Eddy as a true innovator in the world of entertainment, crediting him for inspiring generations of guitarists.
Source: edition.cnn.com
