American guitarist (1929-2005). Born in Dunn, North Carolina. Among the most influential rock guitarists in history despite never having a top-40 hit. His 1958 instrumental "Rumble" — the only song to be banned from US radio because of its supposed potential to incite gang violence, despite having no lyrics — pioneered distorted electric guitar tone and the use of the power chord.
Released over 20 studio albums between Link Wray and the Wraymen (1960) and Barbed Wire (2000). Critical peak: the 1971 self-titled "comeback" album produced in a converted Maryland chicken coop. Wray has been cited as a foundational influence by Pete Townshend, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Iggy Pop, and Bob Dylan.
