Les Paul, Jazz-Guitar Virtuoso and Inventor, Dies at 94

[Ken.]

He was born Lester William Polfuss on June 9, 1915.
A nice write up on Les Paul can be found here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/08/13/ST2009081301806.html

He played a key role in developing the eight-track tape recorder and used the device to play many parts on the same recording, a process now called multitracking. Such early work in overlaying sound contributed to the richness and distinctiveness of his recordings.

As a teenager, he played dates at a drive-in restaurant, where he experimented with amplified sound to reach the open-air audience. He stuck a phonograph needle inside his acoustic guitar and wired it to a radio speaker.

... in case you don't know, that was the starting point and he went on to invent the electric guitar.

Back in my Navy bootcamp days Les Paul & Mary Ford were one of my fav musical acts to listen to. We only got to listen to the radio (no TV) for a short time each evening and Les Paul was riding high in the charts during those days.  :up:

R.I.P. Les Paul.


EDIT: This YouTube vid tells his story very well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypy8hr-GJ1g&feature=fvw

[Lesmond]

Sad to hear hes gone, 

[JPDeni]

I was reading somewhere that he was able to continue performing on a regular basis up to two weeks ago. Pretty good. He really did leave quite a legacy behind him.

Ken, the first thing I thought of when I heard of Les Paul's death was "Vaya con Dios." Sort of appropriate.

[Ken.]

Good pick JP. 

[Lesmond]

Ken, the first thing I thought of when I heard of Les Paul's death was "Vaya con Dios." Sort of appropriate.

like this JP lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LUm-E4GPU8



Jeff dont look

[JPDeni]

Lesmond, more like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ6H68AcvQE

It was a bit before my time, but I remember my mother really liked Les Paul and Mary Ford and I knew the lyrics to that song when I was quite small.

[Lesmond]

ahh yes, I do remember my mom and dad playing that  song.. oh boy too long ago to remember... or never forget

[Crip]

na nah nah .. i loved that Les .. that guy playing the gutiar at the end look a bit like STrek  (DaTa)

lovely ladys too

[ZarPrime]

Without him, the music we have today would never have been possible.

In 2 days, we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the greatest music festival the world has ever known.  Would Woodstock have been possible without pioneers of the music business like Les Paul?  I think not.

RIP

ZP

[IchBin]

Sad day. Amazing how a person can single handedly define how music is shaped for the next century. And more I'm sure. R.I.P. Les Paul. If I had the money I'd buy a Les Paul in memory of him.