Link Wray’s Classic on American Bandstand

Link Wray is one of those classic rock and roll guitarists that changed how we see pop music. His song “Rumble” was considered so uncouth, despite having no words, that some radio stations banned it. This was in part due to the name, which some thought would encourage gang fighting. But, his other songs captured a different side to the era, one that was heavily influenced by surf guitar and the California attitude. And, then there was the Western influence to his music- the image of a lone cowboy riding to adventure along a dusty trail or a stompin’ country dance. Wray’s music captured all these moods and many more.

Despite his huge impact on music Wray wasn’t inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame until 2023! But, the magic of television brought his music into people’s homes in the 1950s.

This clip from American Bandstand in 1959 (known back then as the Saturday Night Beech-Nut Show) shows Link Wray and His Wraymen jamming out the song “Raw-Hide”- a tune that would become an iconic song of the era and beyond. With his pompadour slick back hair, pinstripe suit, and flame-like guitar Wray had a swagger that was uniquely his, just like his music.

Have a listen to this upbeat song in the video below.