Link Wray’s 2005 death marks loss of fuzz guitar pioneer
The Shawnee Native American musician died in 2005, ending the career of the artist credited with inventing the distorted guitar sound.
By Elena Castillo ·
Link Wray, the Shawnee Native American musician credited with creating the fuzz guitar, died in 2005. His death marked the end of a career that reshaped rock instrumentation through experimental techniques.
Wray is best known for punching a hole in his amplifier speaker to create a distorted tone. This accidental modification produced the sound that would later be known as fuzz, a staple of rock and roll music.
His instrumental track "Rumble" became a cultural phenomenon, though it drew criticism from some radio stations. The song was banned from many outlets on the grounds that it glorified juvenile delinquency, a distinction shared by no other instrumental piece.
November 5 also marks the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. That year, the hall honored Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, Dolly Parton, and Judas Priest.
The ceremony featured a closing performance of Dolly Parton’s song "Jolene." Judas Priest member Rob Halford joined Parton for a duet during that segment of the event.
The day in rock history includes several other notable releases. Bruce Springsteen released "The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle" in 1973. The Grateful Dead released "Europe ’72" in 1972, while Phil Collins released "Hello, I Must Be Going!" in 1982.
Other albums released on this date include Bryan Adams’ "Reckless" in 1984, REO Speedwagon’s "Wheels Are Turnin’" in 1984, and Elton John’s "Madman Across the Water" in 1971. The Smashing Pumpkins also released the "Lull" EP in 1991.
Source: WNDX · original report published
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