Link Wray And His Ray Men

Biography

Link Wray and His Ray Men were an American rock and roll band led by the influential guitarist Link Wray. The group was formed in the late 1950s and became known for their raw and powerful sound that would later be a major influence on the development of rock music.

Link Wray was born in 1929 in Dunn, North Carolina, and began playing guitar at a young age. He developed a distinctive style of playing that involved heavy use of power chords and distortion, which would set him apart from other guitarists of his time. In 1958, Wray released his instrumental track “Rumble,” which became a hit and is now considered one of the first instrumental rock songs.

Wray formed his band, The Ray Men, to accompany him on tour and in the studio. The group’s lineup changed over the years, but they consistently delivered high-energy performances that showcased Wray’s innovative guitar playing. The band released several albums and singles throughout the 1960s, including “Rawhide” and “Jack the Ripper,” which further solidified their reputation as pioneers of rock music.

Although Link Wray and His Ray Men never achieved mainstream success, their impact on the music world cannot be overstated. Their aggressive, edgy sound paved the way for the development of garage rock, punk rock, and heavy metal, influencing countless musicians in the decades that followed. Link Wray himself was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to the genre.

Despite their relatively short-lived career, Link Wray and His Ray Men left an indelible mark on the history of rock music, and their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.