Though the mechanism that can give guitars a weird and wobbly string effect sound is technically called vibrato system, it is common called a whammy bar. Lonnie Mack was the cat that brought the nickname for it to the forefront.
Considered a major influence on players such as Jeff Beck, Duane Allman, Ray Benson and Bootsy Collins, Lonnie and his Gibson Flying V may not have wholly invented the the whole blues rock virtuoso thing but they did take it to levels that people to this day still strive for. His career was long and varied but his early records such is tonight's pick, 1963's "Wham", still melts faces.
Lonnie passed away yesterday in Nashville at the age of 74.
What are you listening to tonight?
