Les Paul Is Dead At 94

Les Paul

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS is reporting LES PAUL, who changed the course of music history with the electric guitar and multitrack recording as well as having a number of hit recordings, many with wife MARY FORD, died TODAY (8/13). He was 94.

According to the report, PAUL died of complications from pneumonia at a hospital in WHITE PLAINS, NY with his family and friends by his side.

LES PAUL is credited with helping bring about the rise of rock 'n' roll and multitrack recording.

The Music Business Reacts

AEROSMITH's JOE PERRY said, "As a guitarist and a fan of music in general, I know the amazing contributions LES PAUL made in his lifetime to the art of making music. I think if the general public knew how much of that influence is heard every day in the music that they listen to, they would be amazed. He was a true genius. The few times that I had met him, he made me feel like I had known him forever. He was always sharp, ready to rock and he was always talking about his next gig. Knowing that he is not walking the earth anymore is sad and I have lost a friend. But every time I pick up a guitar I’ll know that his spirit is alive and well right next to me. "

Said KEITH URBAN, "I have a mix of emotions today. On one hand, I am deeply saddened at LES PAUL's passing, and on the other a feeling of incredible gratitude and awe for his unquantifiable contribution to the world of music. His name adorns so many of the creations that I communicate through every night out here on the road. He is also very present every time I set foot in the studio and am able to lay multiple tracks as I record, when I use echo, etc., the list of his inventions, in addition to his famous signature model Gibson, are extraordinary. I also feel that even in his nineties, the fact he was still playing every MONDAY night in NEW YORK is perhaps the most beautiful and inspiring achievement of all. As VINCE GILL would say, 'Go rest high on that mountain Les... cause son, your work on earth is done.'"

RANDY BACHMAN, of BACHMAN TURNER OVERDRIVE, THE GUESS WHO, released the following statement, "I am deeply touched by the passing of LES PAUL who I first met in 1959. As a guitarist, composer, electronic innovator and inventor, he was beyond genius and there was none other like him. He was a true musical gift from God to the world and spent his life honoring that gift. I proudly play my LES PAUL guitars every night on stage and never forget the moments we shared."

BRAD PAISLEY said, “Let us celebrate the era of LES PAUL today, and the world of sound we get to experience thanks to him. What a legacy, what a life. ‘Somewhere there’s music…how high the moon…’ Because of LES, everywhere there’s music.”

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