Scotty Moore, R.I.P.

When there’s a talk about most influential guitarists of rock era, the names of hard rock and prog virtuosi usually crop up, and it’s very rare that someone digs deeper to touch upon their influences. Those that do will know who would be the root of it all: Scotty Moore, Elvis’ six-string foil. It was his country-infused filigree strum and powerful twang resonating and reverberating through the years on such classic sides as “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock,” although Moore’s services weren’t limited to the King. Scotty’s guitar can also be heard on the records by Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison, Ann-Margret and Dale Hawkins. And yet, nothing could beat those inspirational Presley perennials which many of Moore’s followers lined up to play with Scotty, because the veteran didn’t want to stop performing, but… the legendary artist passed away today, aged 84. R.I.P., rock ‘n’ roll pioneer.

June 28, 2016