Eddie Van Halen

 Eddie Van Halen was the co-founder and lead guitarist of Van Halen. He is one of the most popular and original guitarists who played in the American music scene. As the son of musically inclined parents, Eddie was forced to learn piano as a youngster which he resented. Instead, he took up guitar and quickly became proficient at it. He would be glued to the guitar for hours practicing the instrument in his bedroom. He was a huge fan of Eric Clapton and he listened to his records day and night, teaching himself how to play all of Clapton's solos. He was the founder of Mammoth along with his brother Alex and bassist Mark Stone, and singer David Lee Roth. After contemplating a few other names, the group members decided on Van Halen as they liked the sound. The group got their biggest break when they were heard by Gene Simmons, the lead guitarist in the band, Kiss. The band signed a contract to Warner Brothers and released the self-titled album. The album was certified Diamond in the U.S. They released a number of other hit albums in the following years as Eddie's reputation for being a great guitarist increased with each passing year.