The pioneering guitarist and inventor Les Paul passed away in New York yesterday, due to complications from pneumonia. He was 94. Which, I guess, is a pretty valiant age to get to.
Perhaps the greatest legacy that he left behind was as the creator of the Les Paul model guitar, which effectively revolutionised rock’n’roll music (even though he originally intended it for Jazz, and he didn’t play any Rock until he was 90!).
But there are many different ways that the life of Les Paul could be remembered. He has been hailed as the godfather behind rock’n’roll’s development, influencing the sound of The Beatles, the Sex Pistols, the Rolling Stones and the Guns N’ Roses. Not one to rest on his laurels, he also invented multi-tracking, overdubbing and electronic delay.
In his long life, he played with stars such as Bing Crosby, had a weekly night in New York, and his recordings with his wife in the 1950’s laid the tracks for the development of modern studio recording.
His line of Gibson Les Paul guitars, even to this day, are still sought out for their distinctive, warm, solid tones. Just take a listen to (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction or Sweet Child of Mine if you fancy hearing the classic sound of the incredibly influential man.
