Guitar legend Les Paul dies at age 94 - Washington Times

Les Paul died today. What a loss, and we're mourning.

To our fans who are into guitar but aren't familiar with him, you owe it to yourself to download some of his music.

Les was a giant, not just for his incredible playing ability (he was one of the major jazz guitarists from 1930s well into the 1970s), but he was also a visioneer with the foresight to see what was coming, and needed. For example, did you know he invented multitrack recording, the standard for studios worldwide since the early 1960s? Multitrack made possible all of the things that the Beatles (and many others) did in the studio; without Les and his recording techniques, there would be no modern recording as we know it.

Did you also know that he invented the solid body electric guitar? This led to the creation of one of the world's seminal guitars, the Gibson Les Paul? The Les Paul guitar had/has a very distinct sound, and remains one of the most sought-after sounds in all music today, from rock to pop to jazz. Many luthiers have imitated the Les Paul, but none have duplicated it. SbtD's Charlie Higgs plays one himself.

Les remained active until his death, playing regularly and inventing new ways of doing music.

So here's to Les; we already miss you and your incredible spirit.

Guitar legend Les Paul dies at age 94 - Washington Times