Eddie Van Halen

 Eddie Van Halen was the co-founder and lead guitarist for Van Halen. He is one of the most popular and original guitarists to ever have played the American music scene. The son of music loving parents, Eddie was forced to study piano at a young age which he resented. He instead picked up the guitar and quickly became proficient at it. He would sit for hours practicing the instrument in his room. He was a huge fan of Eric Clapton and he listened to his music all day and night, attempting to teach himself how to play all of Clapton's solos. He was the founder of Mammoth with his brother Alex, bassist Mark Stone, and singer David Lee Roth. The members of the band considered a variety of names, but settled on Van Halen because they loved the music. When Gene Simmons, the lead guitarist for Kiss and Kiss, saw the band, it was their big breakthrough. The band signed a contract with Warner Brothers and released the self-titled album. It was certified Diamond in the U.S. The group released a number of other hits over the years, as Eddie's repute as a master guitarist soared higher and higher.