Duane Eddy: The King of Twang and His Iconic Career
Duane Eddy is a legendary musician whose contribution to rock and roll music is unparalleled. He is renowned as the “King of Twang” for his unique style of guitar playing, which features a distorting effect that defined his innovative sound. Born on April 26, 1938, in Arizona, Duane has been a prominent figure in the music industry for over six decades. In this article, we take an in-depth look into Eddy’s biography, career, relationships, children, height, top songs, net worth, and many more.
Biography of Duane Eddy
Duane was born in Corning, New York but grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where he started to play the guitar at a young age. He drew inspiration from the likes of Chet Atkins, Les Paul, B.B. King, and The Ventures. At the age of 16, he recorded his first song, “Soda Fountain Girl,” which he produced and did the vocals.
Age and Relationships
As of 2021, Duane Eddy is 83 years old. He has been married twice, first to singer Jessi Colter, from 1961 to 1968, and then to Diane Mary Kirk in 1982. Both marriages ended in divorce. Duane currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where he continues to make music and collaborate with fellow musicians.
Children and Height
Duane Eddy has two children from his first marriage to Jessi Colter. Their first child was Jennifer, who was born in 1964, followed by their second child, Jack, who was born in 1969. Duane is 6 feet tall, which is about 1.83 meters.
Career
Duane Eddy’s exceptional guitar-playing and sound soon grabbed the attention of music industry insiders. He signed his first record deal with Jamie Records in 1958 and released his debut single “Movin’ N’ Groovin’,” which was an instant hit, reaching the Top 10 in the United States. His success continued with several instrumental hits, including “Rebel Rouser,” “Cannonball,” “Peter Gunn,” and “Ramrod,” which earned him a place in history and the hearts of fans from all around the world.
Duane’s distinctive twangy sound quickly became his trademark, resulting in a string of chart-toppers and sales of over 100 million records worldwide. In the 1960s, he also worked with other great artists, such as Lee Hazlewood, who co-wrote and produced most of his hits and Ry Cooder, who was a young session player at the time.
Duane was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and in 2004 he was inducted as a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame. He has continued to release albums and tour worldwide, collaborating with artists like George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Jeff Lynne.
Top Songs of Duane Eddy
Duane Eddy’s discography includes over 30 albums and more than 100 singles. Some of his most popular songs include:
– Rebel Rouser: Released in 1958, this song was Duane’s first hit and helped him gain international recognition.
– Peter Gunn Theme: A cover of Henri Mancini’s famous composition, this track reached the Top 30 in the UK and Top 20 in the US in 1959.
– Because They’re Young: Released in 1960, this song remains one of Duane’s most popular hits, reaching number four on the US Billboard chart and number two in the UK.
– Forty Miles of Bad Road: Another hit from 1959, this track is an instrumental tune that features Duane’s signature twangy sound.
Net Worth of Duane Eddy
Duane Eddy’s net worth is estimated at $5 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He has gained his wealth from his successful career as a musician and songwriter, and he has also made appearances on several TV shows and movies over the years.
Conclusion
Duane Eddy’s music has had a massive influence on rock and roll, and his unique style of guitar playing has inspired many musicians worldwide. With his distinctive twangy sound, chart-topping hits, and international recognition, he is a true legend in the music industry. At 83 years old, Eddy is still making music and collaborating with other artists, cementing his legacy as the King of Twang.
