Link Wray

I saw Link Wray back in the 70s at a club called the Bottom Line in New York City. My ears are still ringing.

Wray was born 5/2/29, and was one of the inventors of rock guitar playing. In 1958 he recorded "Rumble," which is pretty much the first thing that comes up when his name is mentioned. He kept playing it for the rest of his career.



Link Wray was probably the coolest person in the room, no matter what room he was in. He's credited with inventing heavy metal and punk, but personally, my greatest regard is for his rockabilly work (Retro-rockabilly, actually).




As you can see, Wray is still the coolest person in the room, but that bass player is giving him a little competition. "My gal is red hot, you're gal ain't doodly squat," has to be one of the great lines of modern music. Rumor has it that Cole Porter had considered it for inclusion in "Miss Otis Regrets," but ultimately decided against it.

One last taste of Wray's guitar, sound only this time.



Link Wray died in 2005. Why isn't he in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame???!!!
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