Passage Link Wray 76

Guitar master Link Wray, the father of the power chord in rock 'n' roll who inspired such legends as Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie and Pete Townshend, died Nov. 5 at his home in Copenhagen, his wife and son said on his website. Wray, who played in his trademark leather jacket, developed a style considered the blueprint for heavy metal and punk music. He is best known for his 1958 instrumental "Rumble," 1959 "Rawhide" and 1963 "Jack the Ripper." The power chord -- a thundering sound created by playing fifths (two notes five notes apart, often with the lower note doubled an octave above) -- became a favorite among rock players. "He is the king; if it hadn't been for Link Wray and 'Rumble,' I would have never picked up a guitar," Townshend wrote on one of Wray's albums. In 2002, Guitar World magazine elected Wray one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.


They say that if it’s too loud, you’re too old. Link Wray never got too old.
I was lucky enough to see Link Wray in a club in Philly, 1999. I guess he was around 71 at the time. It was easily the loudest show I’ve ever seen, but damn – it was cool. He looked like a demon with long black hair – down his back to is waist. After the show, I went back stage and after he begged his overly possessive wife to let him sign some autographs, I was able to shake his hand and get the inside of a CD sleeve signed.

Yeah, for some things, I’m quite the fan boy.

Take care, Link.