Link Wray & His Ray Men

In the shadowy corners of rock 'n' roll history, where the ghosts of legendary guitarists lurk, there stands the unmistakable figure of Link Wray. With his trusty band, The Ray Men, by his side, Wray unleashed a sonic revolution that would forever change the course of music.

Hailing from Dunn, North Carolina, Link Wray first made waves in the late 1950s with his now-iconic instrumental track "Rumble." The rumbling distortion of Wray's guitar sent shockwaves through the music world, setting the stage for the raw, primal energy that would come to define his sound.

But Wray was no one-hit wonder. With tracks like "Rawhide," "Jack the Ripper," and "Ace of Spades," Link Wray & His Ray Men continued to push boundaries and defy expectations, firmly establishing themselves as pioneers of the garage rock and punk rock genres.

Wray's music is a force of nature - a swirling vortex of power chords, fuzzy riffs, and unbridled passion. His guitar playing is explosive, yet controlled; frenetic, yet deliberate. It's no wonder that he inspired generations of musicians, from Jimmy Page to Neil Young to The White Stripes.

Despite his enduring influence, Link Wray remains one of rock 'n' roll's most underrated figures. But here at Pitchfork, we know a musical genius when we hear one. So crank up the volume, let the distortion wash over you, and bask in the glory of Link Wray & His Ray Men. They may have been ahead of their time, but their time is now.