Les Paul, Guitar Legend, Dies at 94

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RIP Les Paul

Les Paul, Guitar Legend, Dies at 94

Les Paul, one of the most revered guitarists of all time and the forefather of the electric guitar, passed away last night, August 12th at the age of 94. Paul’s manager confirmed to Rolling Stone that cause of death was respiratory failure, and a statement from Gibson indicates Paul was suffering from severe pneumonia and died at a hospital in White Plains, New York. An inductee of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy Hall of Fame, Paul is credited as the creator of the electric body guitar and the pioneer of recording techniques like electronic echo and multi-tracking. Paul also had a celebrated career as both a solo artist and with singer Mary Ford, his wife until 1964. In 2003, Rolling Stone named Les Paul to our list of the Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
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http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/08/13/les-paul-guitar-legend-dead-at-94/


And Thank You for the Sound/Music. :thumbup:

Les Paul - Chasing Sound!

[youtube]AP7qI5RVtxw&feature=fvw[/youtube]
 
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15 Iconic Les Paul Players

Gibson-Les-Paul-Classic.jpg


The Gibson Les Paul is one of the most recognizable guitars of all-time and the artists who brandish it seem to transcend age, era, gender and genre. From heavy metal enthusiasts to indie rock icons to reggae superstars, it seems like nearly every musical legend has strapped on a Les Paul at some point to take advantage of its signature sound. Sure, the axe is heavy, but that’s part of the secret to its tone—and if it’s good enough for the 15 legendary players listed below it should be good enough for you, right?
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http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/15-Iconic-Les-Paul-Players/
 
famous les paul players



The list of musicians who have played a Les Paul at some point in their careers is long and varied and includes such stellar names as Clapton, Page, Beck and Slash. The Les Paul's appeal hasn't been restricted to rock legends though. It's popularity with Guitarists from almost every genre testify to its versatility. From blues legends like John Lee Hooker to country stars like Brooke and Dunn and Jazz maestros like Les Paul himself, the Les Paul magic has touched them all. Here's a partial list of players who use or have used Les Pauls during their careers:
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http://www.lespaulguide.com/famous-les-paul-players.php
 
I will remember this day, just as I remember where I was when I heard that Elvis, John Lennon and Johnny Cash had passed on. Les Paul was truly a giant in the music world and will be honored for decades, if not centuries to come. Rock, blues, jazz and country as we know them today might literally not exist without his contributions to the making and recording of music.

Any guitarist who's never played a Gibson LP at least once is a damn fool. It's not for everyone, but there's no denying it's a masterpiece of design, beauty and pure musicality.

RIP, Mr. Paul. I choose to think of you rocking the heavens and schooling all the greats you inspired. :) "If there's a rock'n'roll heaven, you know they got a hell of a band!"
 
...very personal, hits a mortality button inside me.

I always wanted to see Les Paul play, grew up on the East Coast, and missed the opportunity to see him at Fat Tuesday around 1994...missed,as in had reservations and my best friend was too hung over to go, and didn't want to go by myself.

On Monday March 3, 1997 enroute to Europe for my honeymoon, made a quick stopover in NYFC, Mrs. Garsson and I dined at Carmine's Upper West Side and attended the second show at the Iridium, where Mr. Paul and his trio kicked butt with flair and panache. Drew Zingg from Steely Dan was sitting in for the evening, and this cat named Eric came up to get his head cut.

Les signed autographs for us, posed for pictures, and was as gracious and patient as you would hope for. He was around 82 at the time, and still had a whole lot of life left in him.

Gone to a better place is my prayer.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Les Paul deserves much more fanfare than Michael Jackson, as his accomplishments are far greater.
 
I was compelled to pick up my LP when I heard of his passing. I played just a bit, and silently shed a few tears... the Gibson sounded, and played sweeter than I'd ever remembered... but something seemed to be missing... something "felt" different, and I can't really explain it.

God bless you and keep you Mr. Paul.
 
I am reading a book called "Look Me in the Eye" at the moment, by a fellow with Aspergers (John Elder Robison). He was an electronics whiz and did sound engineering and special effects for various groups. He met the guys from Kiss one day as they were getting ready for a tour. One of the guitarists asked if he could put a smoke bomb inside a guitar, so smoke would pour out of it as he played. Sure, replied the Aspergian. The next day a brand new Les Paul guitar arrived for him. So he got a router and cut a hole in the back to how much room there was inside...and it worked!!!
 
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