Scotty Moore, a guitarist whose terse, bluesy licks on Elvis Presley’s early hits virtually created the rockabilly guitar style and established the guitar as a lead instrument in rock ’n’ roll, died on Tuesday at his home outside Nashville. He was 84.
If you ever wondered why the guitar, which was once a sideline addition in ensembles, became the prime instrument in popular music, listen to what Moore was able to do with it. It also explains, when there were dozens of compelling young singers vying for fame, why the fellow with whom Moore played became so noticeable.