Remembering Eddie Van Halen on his birthday with 5 great songs

CHULA VISTA, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Guitarist Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen performs on stage at Sleep Train Amphitheatre on September 30, 2015 in Chula Vista, California. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

The world lost singer/songwriter and guitarist Eddie Van Halen when his battle with cancer came to a close.  The musician is best known for his work with Van Halen and the many classic hits he’s given us and contributed to.

Here are 5 great songs to listen to and remember Eddie Van Halen…

Jump – Van Halen  – Kicking off with arguably Van Halen’s greatest hit, ‘Jump’ jumped all the way to the top of the Billboard Charts.  Eddie Van Halen had actually written the iconic synth line for the track years prior and held onto it until ’83 when it would finally be used for ‘Jump.’  The song is often considered an anthem of the ’80s and was actually the introduction song of Chicago Cubs during broadcasts in 1984.

Beat It – Michael Jackson – Eddie Van Halen was called in to play that iconic guitar solo in this song… but he didn’t believe it.  When Quincy Jones gave Eddie a call, the guitarist hung up on him, thinking it was a prank.  Turns out, it wasn’t!  And now, you can hear Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar playing in, ‘Beat It.’  Eddie was uncredited when the song released so it was a surprise when Van Halen fans learned the guitarist was none other than Eddie Van Halen!

Panama – Van Halen – If you can say you’ve never turned up your radio when this classic came on and shouted “PANAMA!” along with the chorus, you might be lying.  This effort from the whole band culminated into one fun and rocking anthem.

Can’t Get Away From You – Nicolette Larson – Another hit not by the band Van Halen, made so great with the anonymous Eddie Van Halen’s guitar solo.  ‘Can’t Get Away From You’ maintains a boppy balance of Honky Tonk and R&B.

Runnin’ With The Devil – Van Halen – Often considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time, ‘Runnin’ with the Devil’ showcases the best of the band.  From David Lee Roth‘s vocals to, of course, Eddie Van Halen’s rocking guitar playing, this song solidifies Van Halen’s statues as one of the greatest rock bands of all time!

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