Duane Eddy, Grammy-Winning 'Peter Gunn' Guitarist, Dead at 86

Eddy sold more than 100 million records worldwide and had a string of hits in the 1950s and 1960s

Grammy-winning guitarist Duane Eddy has died at age 86.

The musician, who had a string of hit records in the late 1950s and early 1960s, died late on April 30 in Franklin, Tenn. surrounded by his wife Deed Abbate, whom he married in 1979, and his family, his manager confirmed to PEOPLE.

“Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakeable signature ‘Twang’ sound. He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed,” a statement read.

According to the BBC and the Associated Press, the cause of death was cancer.

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Among Eddy's many hits was the theme to the '50s TV drama Peter Gunn, along with songs including "Rebel Rouser," released in 1958. He sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

His famous twang helped influence musicians including Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Fogerty, and many others.

“I had a distinctive sound that people could recognize and I stuck pretty much with that. I’m not one of the best technical players by any means; I just sell the best,” Eddy said in an interview with the AP back in 1986.

“A lot of guys are more skillful than I am with the guitar. A lot of it is over my head. But some of it is not what I want to hear out of the guitar," he added.

Eddy's "twang" influenced his album names; from his debut LP Have 'Twangy' Guitar Will Travel that was released in 1958, to 1993's Twang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology.

Eddy — who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 — told the AP of his sound in 1993, “It’s a silly name for a nonsilly thing. But it has haunted me for 35 years now, so it’s almost like sentimental value — if nothing else.”

He worked on music for movies including 1960's Because They're Young, the 1960 release Pepe, and 1961's Gidget Goes Hawaiian. However, he turned down the chance to work on James Bond because there wasn't enough guitar music in it, per the AP.

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The hitmaker, who started playing guitar at age 5, was born in Corning, New York, and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. He told the BBC in 2011 of being an influence to such huge artists, "When people come right out, like Bruce Springsteen or John Fogerty, and say: 'Duane was a big influence,' that's just one of the perks and rewards of what I did."

"That's worth more to me than money and the fame. That goes right to the heart," Eddy added.

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Paying tribute to Eddy, Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), ”Duane Eddy’s electric guitar was a voice all its own. His sound was muscular and masculine, twangy and tough. He inspired thousands of hillbilly cats and downtown rockers to rumble. His sound will forever be stitched into the fabric of country and rock & roll.”

Frank Sinatra's daughter Nancy also shared a tribute on X, alongside a photo, "Duane Eddy and I were friends for nearly 60 years and I am heartbroken over his passing. Sending love and condolences to Deed and the family and their friends. Farewell, old friend, godspeed and stay cool."

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