Eddie Van Halen

 Eddie Van Halen was one of the most influential and original guitarists that played in the American music scene. He was also co-founder and the lead guitarist in Van Halen's hard-rock band. Eddie Van Halen was the child of music-loving parents. He learned piano from a young age which was something he resented. Instead he took to guitar and fell in love. He was a solitary in his bedroom, working on the instrument. He was a big admirer of Eric Clapton and he listened to his music all day and night, attempting to teach himself to play every one of Clapton's solos. He formed Mammoth with his brother Alex as well as bassist Mark Stone, and singer David Lee Roth. The group members thought about a number of names, but settled on Van Halen because they loved the music of it. When Gene Simmons, the lead guitarist of Kiss and Kiss, heard about the band, it was their breakthrough. They eventually signed a contract with Warner Brothers and released their self-titled debut album, which eventually earned them Diamond status in the U.S. The group released a string of other hit album in the following years, as Eddie's repute as a master guitarist increased.