Edward Van Halen

Edward Van Halen
Author: Carl Lender, Source Flickr, New Haven Coliseum (2012), Creative Commons.

Born Jan. 26, 1955, Netherlands

Died 2020

Guitar prodigy who dominated rock after forming his eponymous band with drummer brother Alex.

Known for perfecting the 2 finger tapping technique, his genius is apparent on classics “You Really Got Me,” “Hot For Teacher,” “Panama” and “Eruption.”

Also played the guitar solo on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” which ironically beat his own 1984 for No. 1 on the charts.

Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.