Rock ‘N’ Roll Pioneer and Twang Guitarist Duane Eddy Dies at 86

The Grammy winner, best known for his twangy riffs and influencing legends to follow, has succumbed to his battle with cancer.

Musician Duane Eddy performs onstage in Indio, Calif., on April 27, 2014. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach

Musician Duane Eddy, also hailed by many as the ‘King of Twang,’ has died at the age of 86 following a battle with cancer.

In a statement to Variety, a representative for the guitarist confirmed the news, saying he passed away on April 30 surrounded by his wife, Deed Abbate, and loved ones at Williamson Health hospital in Franklin, Tennessee.