Danny Gatton

Danny Gatton was an enigmatic and brilliant American guitarist who committed suicide at his home in October of 1994 while still relatively unknown to the public.

Related Topics:
American - Suicide - 1994

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Born in Washington, DC on September 4 1945, Gatton had music in his blood as he was the son of a musician. A former rhythm guitarist known for his own unique percussive style named Daniel W. Gatton Sr. who left his career in music behind to raise his family in a more stable profession. The younger Gatton grew up to share his father's passion for the instrument.

Related Topics:
Washington, DC - September 4 - 1945

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Rightly known as "the telemaster", or "the world's greatest unknown guitarist," Gatton could take virtually anything and put his own spin on it. He combined the elements of jazz, blues, and rockabilly music in a unique way. But being a pioneer can also have its price, and Gatton never achieved the commercial success and notice his incredibly unique talent deserved. His skills were most appreciated by his guitar playing peers like Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, and his even his childhood idol, Les Paul who were all awed by the man's skill and originality.

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Danny Gatton made his name as a performer in the Washington, D.C. area during the 1980's, both as a solo performer and with his Redneck Jazz Explosion, in which he would trade licks with virtuoso pedal steel player Buddy Emmons over a tight bass-drums rhythm which drew from blues, country, bebop, and rockabilly influences.

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He usually played a 53' Fender Telecaster (Fender manufactures a replica of his heavily customized instrument), with Joe Barden pickups and Fender Super 250L's, or Nickel Plated Steel (.009 to .042) strings. As a slide Gatton would use a beer bottle.

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His technique was unorthodox, but allowed him to use all ten fingers for both picking and fretting. He always played with a jazz style teardrop pick, And was capable of intricate passages combining bluegrass, bebop, and garage sounds, executed with amazing clarity and at dizzying speeds.

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