AKA Frederick Lincoln Wray, Jr.

Born: 2-May-1929
Birthplace: Dunn, NC
Died: 5-Nov-2005
Location of death: Copenhagen, Denmark
Cause of death: unspecified
Remains: Buried, Christians Church Cemetery, Copenhagen, Denmark

Gender: Male
Race or Ethnicity: White
Sexual orientation: Straight
Occupation: Guitarist

Nationality: United States
Executive summary: Rumble

Military service: US Army (Korean War)

Blues and rock guitarist, credited with inventing the power chord. Wray is best known for Rumble (1957) by Link Wray and the Raymen, which placed in the American Top 20. An instrumental, it was banned on some radio stations for its raw sound. Another single, Rawhide (1959), hit #23, and he had another hit with Jack the Ripper (1963). His music had great appeal among the "wrong crowd" much to the consternation of his record company.

Brother: Doug Wray (d.)
Brother: Vernon Wray (d. 1979)
Wife: Olive Julie Povlsen (m. 1978 in Denmark, one son)
Son: Oliver Christian

    Rockabilly Hall of Fame
    Risk Factors: Tuberculosis

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