LINK RAY. THE GODFATHER OF GRUNGE!
Some Reflection on Link Wray and His Recent Induction
Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
(by Corvette Sandy)
Yes, I am completely tardy on this news. But better late than never, right? Link Wray was born in Dunn, North Carolina, on May 2, 1929. He is of Shawnee American Indian heritage and grew up in very harsh conditions, experiencing racism and discrimination. Link also served in the Korean War from 1950 through 1953 where he contracted tuberculosis and the eventual removal of a lung. After his illness, Link Wray began playing in bands, where he loved to experiment with his guitar, especially with distortion and the tremolo.
In 1958, Wray had a million-selling hit with a now classic song, “Rumble.” His blistering and guttural sound was like no other at the time. Link’s music style was akin to his troubled youth, and he tried to mimic what a gang would sound like, musically. He was raw and powerful. Many others copied his style.
In addition, he is widely renowned for his invention of the power chord. Every electric-guitar musician should hold a certain homage to “The Godfather of Grunge,” one of his many titles. His sound was dangerous and certainly had attitude. Link created the distortion sound by punching a hole in his amplifier with a pencil and is also noted for creating the “Fuzz box.”
Why did it take so long for Link Wray to be inducted? He is listed by Rolling Stone Magazine as number 45 in the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. His music was famously used in many movies, most notably: “Confessions of A Dangerous Mind,” “Independence Day,” and “Pulp Fiction.” However, what brought Link Wray over the top and back into prominence in the public’s eyes and ears was a marketing ploy for Taco Bell. A 30-second commercial and what turned out to be perfect placement of one of Link’s signature, but mostly forgotten, tunes, “Jack the Ripper.” Some marketing genius thought a Chihuahua dog, sitting in the rear window of what looked like an old BMW, nodding his head and announcing “Yo Quiero Taco Bell” to the beat of “Jack the Ripper” absolutely sealed in a huge comeback for the 50’s moody, dark, instrumental guy. His old records were being re-released as compact discs and world tours followed.
I have my own suspicions about his long-overdue induction; however, it caused me to ponder a memory. I recently conducted an interview with a dear friend and local guitar player, who wished to remain unnamed. He actually attended a couple of Link’s shows in that timeframe. He didn’t recall the date; however, I sleuthed until I located the show. The date of the appearance of Link Wray was May 27, 1999, at the old, converted farmhouse, The Foothill Club in Signal Hill, CA. My source also attended another of Link’s shows at the House of Blues in Sunset, and unfortunately, I was unable to locate a date on this.
I remembered his account of what occurred on at least one of these dates and coaxed him to recount his experience. One of the oddest things about the show was somehow, Link had suffered a knee injury which led to his performing on what appeared to be a barstool. That in itself might not be so unusual, but what was perplexing was the presence of Link’s wife onstage with him. All the while Link was ripping on the guitar, she was combing, playing, and braiding his long hair! Now I have been to hundreds, maybe even thousands of shows, and have never witnessed anything close in similarity!
As my friend continued to remember, the tour was to promote his latest CD, “Shadow Man.” Another recollection of the show was that he was disappointed because Link did not sound the same as his 1950’s recordings, and he used a bunch of “young guys” as his back-up band, although Wray was blasting loudly with his Marshall amps. It is a regret of mine never to attend one of Link’s concerts. Link died on November 5, 2005, in Copenhagen, Denmark; however, Link finally achieved his immortality by being honored in the “Early Influences” category in the Rock Hall Class of 2023, inducted by Jimmy Page. It was more than about time.
(To comment on this article, go to rvstewartproductions@yahoo.com)
THE RETURN OF THE UNCOVETED SANDBAG AWARD
Due to time restrictions, I am unable to grant a suitable recipient this month. Tune in next month for more.
This now brings me to the conclusion of Corvette Sandy’s Garage. As always, my wish for you is to keep the beach, just steps away, in your mind.
