Link Wray, RIP

O

oldredneck

New Member
Just a note to say that it was revealed Friday that Link Wray, the Father of the Power Chord, passed away.

Link was a Dunn NC native, but he lived in the Southern Maryland area from roughly 1956 - 1970, living in SE DC, Waldorf, White Plains and Accokeek. He was living here when he and his brothers formed Link Wray and the Raymen. He appeared on American Bandstand (twice) and the Milt Grant Show on Channel 5, and of course he played countless gigs up and down 301.

His first hit - Rumble - was banned in several markets because it was thought that the song would incite teenage violence. Pretty amazing when you consider Rumble is AN INSTRUMENTAL! You can't get more "rock and roll" than that!

Link set the tone for modern rock guitar. Pete Townshend of the Who said if it wasn't for Link, he'd have never picked up the guitar. Neil Young said if he could travel back in time to see one band it would be Link Wray and the Raymen.

For more details, pictures, video, etc. - see www.WraysShack3Tracks.com
 
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Otter

Otter

Nothing to see here
oldredneck said:
Just a note to say that it was revealed Friday that Link Wray, the Father of the Power Chord, passed away.

Link was a Dunn NC native, but he lived in the Southern Maryland area from roughly 1956 - 1970. He was living here when he and his brothers formed Link Wray and the Raymen. He appeared on American Bandstand (twice) and the Milt Grant Show on Channel 5, and of course he played countless gigs up and down 301.

His first hit - Rumble - was banned in several markets because it was thought that the song would incite teenage violence. Pretty amazing when you consider Rumble is AN INSTRUMENTAL

Link set the tone for modern rock guitar. Pete Townshend of the Who said if it wasn't for Link, he'd have never picked up the guitar. Neil Young said if he could travel back in time to see one band it would be Link Wray and the Raymen.

For more details, pictures, video, etc. - see www.WraysShack3Tracks.com
Click to expand...

I just vaguely remember "The Milt Grant Show", but I do remember Link Wray, just about all of the younger,great guitarist mention him when they talk about guitarists that inspired them. Trying to remember the other great guitarist from S. Md that died a few years ago, many people consider him the best ever...
 
Ken King

Ken King

A little rusty but not crusty
PREMO Member
otter said:
I just vaguely remember "The Milt Grant Show", but I do remember Link Wray, just about all of the younger,great guitarist mention him when they talk about guitarists that inspired them. Trying to remember the other great guitarist from S. Md that died a few years ago, many people consider him the best ever...
Click to expand...
Gatton.
 
jazz lady

jazz lady

~*~ Rara Avis ~*~
PREMO Member
otter said:
I just vaguely remember "The Milt Grant Show", but I do remember Link Wray, just about all of the younger, great guitarists mention him when they talk about guitarists that inspired them.
Click to expand...
He was just phenomenal. :yay:

Trying to remember the other great guitarist from S. Md that died a few years ago, many people consider him the best ever...
Click to expand...
Like KK said, it was Danny Gatton. He's the best guitarist I've ever seen, that's for sure. He played at the Wolf Trap Jazz & Blues Festival one year. I'll never forget the sight of him playing his guitar with a beer bottle and a towel draped over the neck, and doing it BRILLIANTLY. Absolutely incredible!
 
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