link wray is one of the cross over guys from rockabilly to grunge rock. his instrumental rumble supossedly was the song that inspired kieth richards to take up guitar.
I know who Link Wray is - I've got a ton of his stuff. I just didn't know who Guitar Wolf is. :)
"Rumble" by Link Wray is one of the baddest guitar songs every written.
It's a shame that Link Wray is in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame as a "one hit wonder" when he should be in there as an "influential performer" if they are unwilling to induct him outright as a rocker. He needs to be inducted while he is still alive (posthumous inductions just don't mean as much).
Pete Townsend picked up guitar because of Link Wray. The Who recored Waspman as a tribute to Link (who visited the studio when they recorded Who's Next).
Bob Dylan is a big fan. He saw Link play on Buddy Holly's final tour. He went backstage to talk to Link in England in 1978 (when Link Wray and Robert Gordon were on tour); backstage Bob was hassled/insulted by Sid Vicious who was also a fan.
John Lennon was a fan...
He may have only had one chart hit but he changed the course of music and inspired a lot of other people to pick up guitars.