Thursday, August 13, 2009

Vaya Con Dios

Guitar legend Les Paul dies at age 94

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Les Paul, the guitarist and inventor who changed the course of music with the electric guitar and multitrack recording and had a string of hits, many with wife Mary Ford, died on Thursday. He was 94.

According to Gibson Guitar, Paul died of complications from pneumonia at White Plains Hospital. His family and friends were by his side.

There's some argument over who actually "invented" the electric guitar; Leo Fender and, of all people, Merle Travis have also claimed credit. But I think it's safe to say that without Les Paul's inventive genius, we would not have Rock and Roll, at least not rock as we know it.

Thanks, Les. R.I.P.


3 comments:

Gerard Saylor said...

Other important news: John Edwards is the father of the former party girl. Does this mean he can still shag the party girl and not get in trouble? It just seems like he should be able to, what with their being parents together.

Tom said...

More on topic: RIP, Les. One more chorus, now; "Amazing Les, How sweet the sound . . . "

Fran said...

Such an amazing man, all the way to the end. He changed the sound of music forever, and was a genius.

My wife, an aspiring luthier, has been telling me all about him through the evening, and the more I learn, the more impressed I am.