Did you know that "Rumble"...

[Larry Gude (Premo)]

...by Link Wray was actually banned from some radio stations for fear of glorifying teen violence?

"Rumble" has no lyrics.

Did you know that "Rumble" isn't even the original name of the song?

It was originally named "Oddball" and had nothing to do with gangs or violence. It was just a piece Wray and his band came up with, live no less, as a backing to another song.

Did you know this happened at a show in Fredericksburg Virginia?

That other song was by the Diamonds, 'The Stroll', a popular line dance at the time.

Wray's record producer hated "Oddball" but his daughter loved it. She said it made her think of West Side Story and rumbles, street fights.

So, because of her interest as a teen, the target audience, they changed the name to "Rumble" and the rest is history.

In any event, Wray deserves huge dredit for bringing the edge to rock and roll, cranked, distorted amps and barre chords. For one, Pete Townsend said Link Wray is why he picked up the guitar in the first place.

So, a backing to a line dance wrought far and loathing, the Who, distortion and the foundation of rock; barre chords.

It never ceases to amaze me that the thing people fear most is what is in their own minds.