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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Les Paul: June 9, 1915 – August 13, 2009

In my job, I receive a lot of written materials that include the application of the word “icon” or “iconic” to many things which surely are not.

Now, here’s the term properly applied: Les Paul was an icon.

He passed away today from complications of severe pneumonia at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York, at the age of 94, following a fascinating life of invention and music.

I grew up listening to his records, and those of fellow icon Chet Atkins. Les was always one of “those guys” who kept popping back into your life - lose track for a while, and then, there he was again, doing something different and interesting.

It was more than his physical longevity, but rather, that he really lived.

Pioneering work with developing electric guitars. Innovation with multitrack recording. Superb musicianship. Radio star. Television star. Playing live gigs well into his 90s.

And much more…

Gibson guitars has a nice overview of the life and times of Les Paul. So does Wikipedia.

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And go here for a taste of his musical greatness.

Les Paul

Les Paul is the only person to share membership in:
- Grammy Hall of Fame
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- National Inventors Hall of Fame
- National Broadcasters Hall of Fame

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And yet, that doesn’t seem to say nearly enough.