Something I Learned Today

Punk Rock and Other Assorted Bullshit

Link Wray - 1929-2005

November 23rd, 2005 | Posted by: Eric | Category: R.I.P.

With everything going as of late it took until today for me to discover that guitar legend Link Wray died November 5, 2005. Wray first began performing in the early 1950’s and continued to record and perform for over 50 years. Virtually ever article I’ve read about Link Wray will credit him with being the father of the power chord in addition to attesting to his influence over several generations of guitarist. Who am I to dispute this? I remember when I first heard “Rumble” - I was amazed that a track so raw and edgy could have been recorded in 1958. My personal favorite though is “Big City After Dark” - a skronky blues number with an absolutely filthy guitar sound.

Wray’s best works were recorded during the years 1958 - 1965 and have been collected many times over. For a quick overview Rumble, The Best of Link Wray is a tight, 20 song collection. Also recommended, the Mr Guitar double disc on Norton.

Link Wray - Rumble.mp3
Link Wray - Jack The Ripper.mp3
Link Wray - Deuces Wild.mp3
Link Wray - Big City After Dark.mp3
Link Wray - Zip Code.mp3
Link Wray - Hillbilly Wolf.mp3

>> Buy Link Wray releases

5 Comments so far

  1. Mr. Beer N. Hockey November 24th, 2005 5:54 am

    Seems as though Wray also invented becoming a cult rock ‘n’ roll legend. Everybody seems to have ‘fessed up to being influenced by the guy except the writers of Happy Days. Heyyyyyyyy… And just to further cut against the grain he becomes one of the few lifelong rockers to die of old fucking age. Skol to the King!

  2. Mr. Natural November 24th, 2005 6:23 pm

    Thanks a JILLION for posting these links! When I was a kid listening to RUMBLE, I wanted to grow up to be what that tune sounded like. Maybe it don’t make sense, but to me that song is a lowered, shaved, primer grey chop-top 49 Merc.

  3. T November 24th, 2005 9:49 pm

    rip

  4. Drew November 26th, 2005 3:52 pm

    Thanks for posting a few songs I didn’t have!

  5. Shakey January 16th, 2006 2:36 pm

    All but one of my favorite people on the planet are gone..that being Robert Gordon. Link Wray, Johnny Cash, Joe Strummer and of course Dee Dee Ramone. All of whom I was lucky enough to meet in person and touched me in such an important way. I listen to my favorite Link Wray album “bullshot” often. Thanks for reading.

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