Stray Cats And The Music Shop In Long Island That Gave Brian Setzer His First Gretsch On Credit

April 2, 2025

In a small town on Long Island, there was a music shop called “Eddie’s Instruments.” It was a cozy place, filled with the sounds of strumming guitars and the murmur of aspiring musicians dreaming of fame. Among the countless guitars that hung on the walls, there was one in particular that sparkled under the shop’s fluorescent lights: a beautiful Gretsch guitar with a rich cherry-red finish. For a young boy named Brian Setzer, that guitar was more than just an instrument; it was a doorway to a dream he desperately wanted to chase.

Brian was just a teenager at the time, filled with hope and ambition. He had a deep love for rock and roll, pouring his heart into every song he learned. But like many young musicians, he didn’t have the money to buy the guitar of his dreams. He would stand outside Eddie’s Instruments for hours, admiring that gleaming Gretsch through the window, wondering if he would ever be able to hold it in his hands. One day, he mustered the courage to walk in and ask the owner, Eddie, if he could buy it on credit. To his surprise, Eddie saw the fire in Brian’s eyes and agreed, believing that this young boy had something special.

With the Gretsch now in his hands, Brian felt a wave of excitement mixed with uncertainty. He practiced day and night, strumming away in his bedroom and dreaming of the big stages he would one day perform on. The guitar became an extension of him, its notes echoing his hopes and dreams. As he played, he imagined himself leading a band that could bring the retro sounds of rockabilly back to life. With every chord he struck, he felt closer to that dream, more alive than ever.

Months turned into years, and Brian formed a band called the Stray Cats. With his electrifying guitar solos and captivating voice, they revived the classic rockabilly sound, catching the attention of music lovers everywhere. Their first album shot to success, and soon they were performing in front of excited crowds around the world. Brian often reflected on how he had started with nothing but a dream and that beautiful Gretsch guitar. He never forgot Eddie’s kindness, believing that the chance he was given changed the course of his life forever.

As the Stray Cats soared to fame, their music resonated with people of all ages, reminding them of the joy of youth and the power of dreams. Brian became a superstar, celebrated not just for his talent, but for his determination to follow his passion. His story inspired countless young musicians to pursue their dreams, showing them that with hard work and a little faith, anything is possible. The Gretsch guitar wasn’t just an instrument; it was a symbol of resilience and the heart of a boy who refused to give up.

Years later, as Brian stood on stage before thousands of adoring fans, he often thought back to that small music shop on Long Island. Eddie’s Instruments had been more than a shop; it had been the spark of something extraordinary. With every performance, Brian paid homage to that moment when a dream began, reminding everyone that sometimes, all it takes is a little belief and a connection to those who see your potential. And so, with his beloved Gretsch in hand, Brian Setzer became a living testament to the power of music and the magic it can create.