English rock guitarist (1944-2023). First gained prominence as guitarist for the Yardbirds (1965-1966), then the Jeff Beck Group (1967-1969). Widely considered one of the most innovative electric guitarists in rock history, particularly for his pioneering use of feedback, distortion, and the volume/tone knob.
Released 16 studio albums between Truth (1968) and 18 (2022, with Johnny Depp). Critical peak: Blow by Blow (1975) and Wired (1976), both produced by George Martin. Eight Grammy Awards. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times — with the Yardbirds (1992), as a solo artist (2009), and the Rolling Stone lists. Beck died of bacterial meningitis in January 2023.
