Robert Knight Archive/RedfernsGuitar legend Scotty Moore, who accompanied Elvis Presley on his original Sun and early RCA recordings, helping to lay the foundation for rock guitar, died Tuesday at 84, reports Memphis’ Commercial Appeal.
Phillips Record Service engineer Matt Ross-Spang confirmed the news on Instagram. “We lost one of the finest people I have ever met today. I…The guitarist that changed the world… especially mine; I hope you don’t mind if I keep stealing your licks. Love you Scotty,” he wrote, posting a picture of himself with the late guitarist.
Moore, who combined jazz and country influences into his distinctive style, played guitar on many of Elvis’ early hits including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Jailhouse Rock.” He reunited with Presley in 1968 for the TV special Elvis, which launched the King’s late career comeback.
Moore was named to Rolling Stone‘s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the “Sideman” category in 2000, and in 2002 received the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gibson guitar company.
Moore was elected to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame last November. Although he was too sick to attend the ceremony, Keith Richards accepted the award on his behalf. “I started out on an acoustic guitar, then I heard Scotty Moore and I went electric,” Richards said at the ceremony according to the Commercial Appeal. “That was the kick-off for me and a lot of guys.”
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