Fred Lincoln (‘Link’) Wray, Jr. (2 May 1929 – 5 November 2005), was an American rock and roll guitarist, songwriter and sometimes vocalist who recorded his first hit song, “Rumble”, in 1958. He was a master of the rockabilly style and he’s credited for creating the rock power chord and as the inspiration for punk rock.

Wray served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and contracted tuberculosis. He ultimately lost a lung to the discease, and doctors told him he’d never be able to sing again as a performer; the strain would be too great.

Wray released something close to two dozen albums from the late 50s until his death in 2005. He was never mainstream, but he’s been cited by many as a major influence. Pete Townshend said that if it hadn’t been for Wray, he wouldn’t have picked up the guitar.

Wray moved to Denmark in the early 80s, and lived there with his wife, recording and touring in Europe and the U.S. until his death.

– Link Wray in 1958