Titan Of Twang: A Celebration of Duane Eddy took place at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday, April 13, 2025. This star-studded tribute to the legacy of Duane Eddy was hosted by Jim Lauderdale and featured Peter Frampton, Vince Gill, Albert Lee, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Earle, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Buddy Miller, Molly Tuttle, JD McPherson, Slim Jim Phantom, Jennie Vee, Toby Lee, The Del McCoury Band, Grace Bowers and more. The concert was recorded - and, thus - it should be released at a future date for all to enjoy.

Legendary guitarist Duane Eddy was celebrated in Nashville in 2025.

Duane Eddy (1938-2024) is revered as one of the first guitar heroes. He put a deep and resounding twang into rock 'n' roll on songs such as "Rebel-'Rouser", "Peter Gunn" and "Because They're Young". He charted 15 top 40 singles from 1958 through 1963 and sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Eddy was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in 2008. He has inspired countless artists as reflected in the high-caliber lineup at the Opry.

Jim Lauderdale welcomed the crowd and stated that "everybody was excited to be here" (we sure were). A sizable band consisting of many well respected musicians aptly handled the many instrumentals presented during the event. One of the early guests of the night was Richard Bennett guitarist, producer and long-time friend of Duane. Richard demonstrated the nuanced guitar style of Eddy on a number of songs throughout the show.

Guitar gods Joe Bonamassa, Vince Gill and Peter Frampton paid their respects at the Opry.

"A songwriter's songwriter" was the introduction that Steve Earle received. Steve shared that it was Richard who had introduced Earle to Eddy and he paid tribute to that relationship with a tune called "Sorry Duane". Garry Tallent of the E Street Band said a few words as did Bruce Springsteen via video.

They shared that the riff to "Born to Run" would not have been written if not for DE. They also stated that they really wanted to be like Duane's band The Rebels so they added a sax player which was not the most popular thing for a rock band to do in the 1970’s. (P.S. - it worked out really well for them!)

Regina McCrary and the McCrary Sisters; Steve Earle; and, Beth Nielsen Chapman were among the many featured guests in Music City.

Albert Lee an English guitarist known for his fingerstyle and hybrid picking technique mentioned that he worked with DE before presenting some tricky riffs to the Opry. Bill Lloyd joined him and they played "Woah!" while asking the crowd to sing along. Beth Nielsen Chapman was another artist who collaborated with DE. She shined on "Sweet Love Shine". The McCrary Sisters - recognized for their unique style of gospel - lifted the house up with "Amazing Grace" sang to the tune of "House of the Rising Sun".

There was a short break giving fans time to purchase a special Hatch Print Concert Poster or order a Duane Eddy Gretsch guitar. Drummer Slim Jim Phantom kicked off the second half with the Stray Cats' "Rock This Town" in honor of DE. Buddy Miller with the McCrary Sisters paid more tributes to the Titan Of Twang. Also in the house was the Del McCoury Band to bring the bluegrass into the celebration. In addition to being potent pickers this group features three generation of McCourys.

Seen and heard in the 615: Deed Eddy, Jim Lauderdale, Richard Bennett, Bill Lloyd,
Del McCoury, Garry Tallent and Slim Jim Phantom.

Titan Of Twang: A Celebration of Duane Eddy was a rich reminder of DE's legacy but it was also about encouraging the lineage of guitar players. Toby Lee a young gun from the UK impressed the crowd with "Stingray" written especially for this occasion. Later on, he was trading licks with Joe Bonamassa the polished pro. Grace Bowers is another "kid" who has chops. She joined the talented Molly Tuttle on Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit".

Grace also held her own when sharing the stage with Vince Gill. The always good Gill was playing a guitar that once belonged to DE. Peter Frampton received a warm welcome and presented a winning set that included "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" with Grace handling one of the two important guitar parts on that Beatle classic.

Emerging star Molly Tuttle; young guns Toby Lee and Grace Bowers; and, veteran axe-man Albert Lee.

"Unbelievable evening" - enthused Duane's widow Deed - and we certainly agree. Mrs. Eddy thanked everyone involved in this event just before all the musicians returned to the stage for a climatic "Peter Gunn" that sent the capacity crowd home with a jamming jolt in their step as they exited the hallowed hall.

Titan Of Twang: A Celebration of Duane Eddy not only honored a great guitarist but his influence on country music which fit in perfectly at this venue as the Grand Ole Opry itself is celebrating 100 years in the genre and broadcasting.

Whoa, what a night! Jim Lauderdale hosts and celebrates - along with his friend
Buddy Miller - the life and legacy of the Titan Of Twang: Duane Eddy.

Related Links: For more information on DUANE EDDY and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Duane Eddy | Grand Ole Opry House