Link Wray

The Profile

Fred Lincoln "Link" Wray Jr. (1929–2005), American guitarist and pioneer of distorted guitar and the power chord, best known for the late-1950s instrumental "Rumble."

Credited with creating a pioneering fuzz-tone sound and a dark, cavernous instrumental style, Wray's "Rumble" and other instrumentals influenced surf, garage rock and later heavy sounds. Review mentions his use of a Gibson and names artists and bands he influenced, including Pete Townshend, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Ray Davies, the Cramps and the Fuzztones.

The reviews celebrate Link Wray as a pioneering rock guitarist whose 1950s instrumental 'Rumble' introduced a dark, distorted fuzz-tone and anticipates surf, garage and heavy styles. Reviewers highlight short, powerful instrumentals and recommend compilations such as Rumble! The Best of Link Wray and Guitar Preacher: The Polydor Years. Wray is credited with influencing many later guitarists and bands.