The 9th of June is the birthday of the legendary Les Paul.
On the one hand I wanted to write about the great man on the anniversary of his birth, but on the other hand what new information is there to share about him? – after all pretty much anyone who’s ever picked up a guitar has heard the two words “Les Paul”.
But he’s too important a figure in the guitar world to let this day go uncelebrated – in fact he’s big everywhere – even Google honored him by handing over their front page to a playable guitar doodle today:
But just in case you didn’t know – Les Paul was a pioneer in the development of the solid-body electric guitar. The Gibson Les Paul is named after him because he invented it.
He was also an innovator in many other areas, particularly in recording techniques such as overdubbing, tape delay, phasing effects and multitrack recording.
To top it all off he was a brilliant guitarist with his first Chart Number 1 coming in 1945 when he played on Bing Crosby’s “It’s Been a Long Long Time”, and followed by decades of great recordings all the way through to his final release in 2008 “Les Paul And Friends: A Tribute To A Legend”.
The list of awards he received is long and impressive, but in short how many other people can you name who can count the following honors next to their name: Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame?
Les Paul, we remember you, we thank you, we salute you!
If you would like a more detailed history of the man – please read The Les Paul Story.
Related News:
Mary Ford’s 1961 Gibson SG Les Paul Custom is up for grabs
Remembering Johnny Allen Hendrix – AKA James Marshall Hendrix – AKA Jimi Hendrix