Latest notable vinyl by Link Wray, showcasing his enduring rock style, available in various editions and formats.
Artist page · 04/07/2026
Link Wray
About
Link Wray, Pioneer of distorted guitar sound and rockabilly instrumental.
Known for 'Rumble' and 'Rawhide,' Link Wray's vinyl releases range from rare early recordings to live albums.
Fred Lincoln "Link" Wray Jr emerged as a crucial figure in shaping the sound of rock guitar, especially noted for his 1958 instrumental hit "Rumble." His innovative style involved physically altering his amplifier to create distorted guitar sounds, including the fuzz effect. Though also a vocalist, Wray's primary influence lies in his guitar technique and raw sound, with recordings spanning from 1956 to the 1990s, covering rock, rockabilly, and surf rock styles.
Wray's work includes original compositions like "Rumble" and "Rawhide," as well as collaborations such as with Robert Gordon in 1977.
Discography
Link Wray — Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Rock-A-Billy Records · 2014
Visionary Communications · 1997
Ace · 1997
Epic · 1993
Ace · 1990
Hangman Records · 1989
Line Records · 1989
Ace · 1983
Instant Records · 1980
Visa Records · 1979
Private Stock · 1978
Private Stock · 1977
Virgin · 1975
Polydor · 1974
Polydor · 1973
Virgin · 1973
Polydor · 1971
Swan · 1963Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Link Wray's career.



The essentials
The 3 Link Wray albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
1993 studio album with 10 tracks blending rock and pop, highly sought after on vinyl for its production and performances.
1990 studio album from Germany combining rock & roll and surf styles, with several vinyl pressings including test pressings.
Go further
Artists similar to Link Wray
Artists who share part of Link Wray's musical DNA.
Collectors
For vinyl die-hards
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
Market values (source: Discogs)
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Notable pressings & editions
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Link Wray
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
"During his military service in the Korean War, Wray contracted tuberculosis and lost a lung, leading him to focus intensively on his guitar playing."— Biographical accounts
Creation of the fuzz effect on guitar
Link Wray pioneered the fuzz effect by intentionally damaging the speaker cone of his amplifier, creating a distinctive distorted guitar tone that influenced rock music.
Collaboration with Robert Gordon
In 1977, Link Wray collaborated with rockabilly artist Robert Gordon, merging Wray’s pioneering guitar work with Gordon’s vocals.
Walking Down A Street Called Love US Vinyl Release
This 2022 limited edition US stereo vinyl pressing of 'Walking Down A Street Called Love' features 18 tracks including classics like 'Rumble' and 'Jack The Ripper.'
Cleveland '78 LP limited edition
Released in 2014 by Rock-A-Billy Records in the US, this LP limited edition pressing of 'Cleveland '78' has a catalog number CLP 1951 and is a valuable collectible.
Records by Link Wray
See allCDs by Link Wray
Search all Link Wray CDsFAQ
FAQ: Link Wray on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who was Link Wray and why is he important for guitarists?
Link Wray was an American rock guitarist credited with inventing the power chord and pioneering guitar distortion techniques, influencing rock music's development.
What are some notable albums by Link Wray available on vinyl?
Essential vinyl albums include 'Ace of Spades' (2023), 'Indian Child' (1993), and 'Wild Side of the City Lights' (1990), showcasing his rock and rockabilly styles.
What is the significance of the song 'Rumble' in rock history?
'Rumble' is a 1958 instrumental by Link Wray noted for its raw, distorted guitar sound using the fuzz effect; it helped define the power chord and influenced many rock guitarists.
Are there rare Link Wray vinyl pressings collectors should know about?
Yes, limited edition pressings like the 2014 US 'Cleveland '78' LP and test pressing vinyl of 'Wild Side of the City Lights' hold collectible value.
Did Link Wray serve in the military and did it affect his music?
Link Wray served during the Korean War and after contracting tuberculosis, which caused him to lose a lung, he focused on guitar rather than singing.
Where can I find Link Wray vinyl records in France?
Link Wray vinyls can often be found on specialized music stores and online platforms offering international pressings including albums released in Germany and the US.
What genres did Link Wray's music cover?
His music spans rock & roll, rockabilly, surf rock, and pop-international, reflecting an evolution of American guitar-driven styles.
How does Link Wray's guitar style influence modern music?
The raw power chord and fuzz effects pioneered by Link Wray have become foundational techniques in rock, punk, and alternative guitar playing today.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.



