Farewell to an American icon

[dslartoo]

Much to my dismay, Les Paul died yesterday at the age of 94.

Les was one of the greatest guitarists ever. This is not an opinion. This is fact. The world is poorer for his passing.

That link has some great quotes from Les, including this one: "The secret is not how many notes you play, it's to play the RIGHT note. The RIGHT note is what's important". Today's shredders really ought to remember that. Les had blinding speed, too, before age overtook him, but even then it was his tone and attack that set him apart.

And his influence on others goes without saying. No recording engineer today works without his techniques and technologies. No electric guitarist playing today can say they weren't influenced by Les Paul. This too is not an opinion. This is fact.

All hail the mighty Les Paul! I salute you, sir.

-- END OF LINE --

[[The Oracle would like to know your favorite actress.]]

Comments

[eminor9th.livejournal.com]

You may not know, not only was he a great guitarist, he invented the electric guitar! He invented "delay" effects, He invented multi-track recording... And as I told many folks yesterday, The guitar that every guitarist craves, the "Les Paul" was named, not because it was designed for him, but rather, BY HIM!

the Gibson Les Paul is the main guitar of Peter Frampton, Jimmy Page, Slash, Zakk Wilde, Ace Frehley, etc, etc, etc.... i saved for years for mine, and it is as close to a child as I may ever get!

[dslartoo.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, to all of the above. That's why I made sure to mention his influences on recording technologies and such. :)

cheers,
Phil