POWER CHORD LEGEND WRAY DIES
21.11.2005. 11:28:40
Guitar player Link Wray, who invented the power chord, the major modus operandi of modern rock guitarists, has died aged 76.
A native of Dunn, North Carolina, Wray's style is considered the
blueprint for heavy metal and punk music.
Wray's is best known for his 1958 instrumental Rumble, 1959's
Rawhide and 1963's Jack the Ripper. His music has appeared in
movies such as Pulp Fiction, Independence Day and Desperado.
His style is said to have inspired many other rock musicians,
including Pete Townsend of the Who, but also David Bowie, Bob
Dylan, Steve Van Zandt and Bruce Springsteen have been quoted as
saying that Wray and Rumble inspired them to become musicians.
"He is the king; if it hadn't been for Link Wray and Rumble, I
would have never picked up a guitar'," Townsend wrote on one of
Wray's albums. Neil Young once said: "If I could go back in time
and see any band, it would be Link Wray and the Raymen."
According to Wray's official website, he invented the fuzz tone
by deliberately punching holes in his amplifier speakers.
In 2002, the Guitar World magazine elected Wray one of the 100
greatest guitarists of all time.
Wray, known for his trademark black leather jacket, toured the
United States and Canada from 1997 to 2002. He was half Shawnee
Indian.
The date of Wray's death was not known. He lived in Copenhagen.
Denmark's Politiken newspaper said his funeral had already taken
place in Copenhagen's Christian Church. No dates were given.
His family could not be reached for comments. His official site
does not mention his death.
Wray is survived by his wife and son.
SOURCE: World News