Elvis Presley’s first guitarist Scotty Moore has died aged 84. The musician passed away at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday. Moore was famous in the music industry due to his work with Elvis at the height of his career, with his guitar contributions on the singer’s hits such as Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes and Hound Dog becoming legendary.
He also inspired countless musicians through his unique skills, including the Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.
“Everyone else wanted to be Elvis… I wanted to be Scotty,” Richards once said.
Moore was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, before The Memphis Music Hall of Fame inducted him last October. Due to the musician’s ill health, Richards was on hand to accept the honour in his place, and once again spoke of his love for the guitarist. “I think without Scotty, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “I don’t know how many people would be either. He was such an inspiration.”
After his work with Elvis, Moore played alongside stars such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Ringo Starr and Jerry Lee Lewis as a freelance studio engineer on albums and television specials.
