Danny McKenna

American guitarist, died by suicide 26 April 2006 in McAllen, Texas, USA at the age of 54. Danny McKenna was the founding guitarist for Texas rock band, Toby Beau who scored a 1978 hit with “My Angel Baby.” McKenna left the band before the release of their follow-up album and returned to Texas, got married and had two children. He started a successful business as a luthier, repairing and refurbishing all kinds of stringed instruments for local musicians, as well as others throughout Texas. He also handmade several guitars and instruments of his own invention, such as an electric “J-fiddle” and a hybrid between an electric guitar and a mandolin. McKenna always remained active as a musician and formed several local bands throughout the years, and he was extremely generous when sharing his love of music, often doing free repairs for churches or students who couldn’t afford it.