The World Has Lost a Remarkable Innovator and Musician: Les Paul Passes Away at 94
(New York, NY August 13, 2009) Les Paul, acclaimed guitar player, entertainer and inventor, passed away today from complications of severe pneumonia at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York, surrounded by family and loved ones. He had been receiving the best available treatment through this final battle and in keeping with his persona, he showed incredible strength, tenacity and courage. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the thoughts and prayers from his dear friends and fans. Les Paul was 94.
One of the foremost influences on 20th century sound and responsible for the world's most famous guitar, the Les Paul model, Les Paul's prestigious career in music and invention spans from the 1930s to the present. Though he's indisputably one of America's most popular, influential, and accomplished electric guitarists, Les Paul is best known as an early innovator in the development of the solid body guitar. His groundbreaking design would become the template for Gibson's best-selling electric, the Les Paul model, introduced in 1952. Today, countless musical legends still consider Paul's iconic guitar unmatched in sound and prowess. Among Paul's most enduring contributions are those in the technological realm, including ingenious developments in multi-track recording, guitar effects, and the mechanics of sound in general.
My personal experience with the Les Paul Guitars is one of great joy and satisfaction. After being a hard-core Fender player for decades I purchased a Les Paul about 16 years ago and have found a deep appreciation for the Les Paul sound, quality and play-ability. I will not compare it to a Fender guitar as in my opinion they are extremely different guitars. This by no means is a dig at Fender guitars as they have been in my playing hands since my teenage years and have provided me many years of playing enjoyment.
Partial Discography:
The Legend and the Legacy 1948
Including: So Long Baby, So Long , I Don't Want You No More, Let's Fall in Love , and more...
The Complete Decca Trios -- Plus (1936-1947) 1936
Including: Whose Dream Are You?, It's a Pity to Say Goodnight , Sweet Leilani, and more...
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Les Paul 2001
Including: Caravan, Dark Eyes, It's Been A Long, Long Time, and more...
The Guitar Artistry of Les Paul 1971
Including: Sweet Leilani, Dark Eyes, My Isle of Golden Dreams, and more...
Guitar Legends 2000
Including: Hummingbird, Magic Melodie, How Deep Is the Ocean?, and more...
How High the Moon [ASV/Living Era] 2002
Including: Mockin' Bird Hill, How High the Moon, Lover, and more...
American Made World Played 2005
Including: Fly Like an Eagle, Caravan, Let Me Roll It, and more...
Les Paul Now! 1968
Including: Tennessee Waltz, Caravan, How High the Moon, and more...
Crazy Rhythm 2005
Including: It's Only a Paper Moon, The Man I Love, You Took Advantage of Me, and more...
Guitar Wizard 2002
Warm and Wonderful/Swingin' South 2001
Including: Chasing Shadows, Les's Country Blues, Call on Me, and more...
How High the Moon [Essential Gold] 2004
Including: Mockin' Bird Hill, How High the Moon, Wabash Blues, and more...
16 Most Requested Songs 1958
Including: Lonely Guitar, Wonderful Rain, Big Eyed Gal, and more...
The Legendary Fred Waring Broadcasts: Historic Live Performances (1939-1941) 2004
Including: Sweet Georgia Brown, Ol' Man River, South of the Border
Chester & Lester 1977
Including: Caravan, Someday, Sweetheart, It's Been a Long, Long Time, and more...
All-Time Greatest Hits [Collectables] 2003
Including: I'm Sitting on Top of the World, Tennessee Waltz, Mockin' Bird Hill, and more...
All Time Greatest Hits 1983
Including: I'm Sitting on Top of the World, Goofus, Tennessee Waltz, and more...
Guitar Monsters 1978
Including: Limehouse Blues, I Want to Be Happy, I'm Your Greatest Fan, and more...
Isle of Golden Dreams: The Decca and Capitol Years 2004
Including: Mockin' Bird Hill, A One Sided Affair, How High the Moon, and more...
California Melodies 2003
Including: Out of Nowhere, For You, Oh, Lady Be Good, and more...
V-Disc Recordings 1999
Including: It's Only a Paper Moon, Dark Eyes, How High the Moon, and more...
Definitive Collection 2003
Including: Your Cheatin' Heart, I'm Sitting on Top of the World, Caravan, and more...
The EP Collection...Plus 2001
Including: How High the Moon, Mandolino, I'm a Fool to Care, and more...
Lover's Luau/Bouquet of Roses 2001
Including: I'll Never Be Free, You Win Again, Sweet Leilani
Les Paul. Vaya Con Dios - His 31 Finest 1944-1954 2008
The Best Of 2008
Les Paul & Mary Ford Shows - May & June 1950 2006
Caravan 2005
Best Of: 90th Birthday Edition 2005
The Legendary Fred Waring Broadcasts: Historic Live Performances (1939-1941) 2004
All-Time Greatest Hits [Collectables] 2003
How High the Moon [ASV/Living Era] 2002
Complete Decca Master Takes 2002
How High the Moon [Allegiance] 2002
20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection. 2001
Platinum Reggae, Vol. 4 2001
A Tribute to U2 [Big Eye] 2001
The Columbia Singles Collection 2001
Warm and Wonderful/Swingin' South 2001
Lover's Luau/Bouquet of Roses 2001
Fiesta Mexicana 2001
The EP Collection...Plus 2001
Bye Bye Blues/Les and Mary 2000
The Hit Makers!/Time to Dream 2000
The New Sound/Les Paul's New Sound, Vol. 2 2000
V-Disc Recordings 1999
A Class Act 1998
16 Most Requested Songs 1996
Greatest Hits [Pair] 1994
More Great Hits 1992
The Best Of The Capitol Masters 1992
All-Time Greatest Hits 1992
From the Secret Laboratory 1990
Les Paul Now! 1968
The Fabulous Les Paul & Mary Ford 1965
The Complete Decca Trios-Plus 1947
The Jazz Collector Edition: Les Paul Trio 1947
California Melodies 2003
Rock Billy Boogie/Bad Boy 2001
El Disco de Oro 2001
The Very Best of Jack Scott 2000
Driving Down Memory Lane 2009
Oldies But Goodies - Novelty Hits 2009
Liberty Heights - '50s Hit Collection 2009
Jazz Classics 2009
USA Top Hits - Vol. 2 2008
Country Gold Vol. 1 2008
A Tribute To A Legend 2008
Love And Marriage 2008
Ken Burns "The War" 2007
The War, A Ken Burns Film, Deluxe Edition 2007
Back To The 50's 2007
This Is Jazz 2007
Music Legends Vol. 5 2007
Golden Years Vol. 3 2007
The Fabulous 50s: 1952 2005
The Fabulous 50s: 1953 2005
he Definitive American Song Book: A Vintage Christmas 2005
Les Paul And Friends: American Made World Played 2005
Songs And Speeches That Inspired A Nation To Victory 1939-1945 2005
Definitive Collection 2003
Hits of '52: Here in My Heart 2003
Back to the Fifties: The Golden Hits 2002
Holiday Legends: Happy Holiday 2001
From The Vaults Vol. 6: The Best Of '56 2001
Swing To Bop Guitar: Guitars In Flight 1939-1947 2000
Hittin' on All Six 2000
Holiday Cheer [Delta] 1999
Instrumental Gems Of The Fifties 1999
All-Time Great Instrumental Hits, Vol. 1 1990
The Guitar Artistry of Les Paul 1971
The Essential Chet Atkins 2007
The Master and His Music 2001
One of the foremost influences on 20th century sound and responsible for the world's most famous guitar, the Les Paul model, Les Paul's prestigious career in music and invention spans from the 1930s to the present. Though he's indisputably one of America's most popular, influential, and accomplished electric guitarists, Les Paul is best known as an early innovator in the development of the solid body guitar. His groundbreaking design would become the template for Gibson's best-selling electric, the Les Paul model, introduced in 1952. Today, countless musical legends still consider Paul's iconic guitar unmatched in sound and prowess. Among Paul's most enduring contributions are those in the technological realm, including ingenious developments in multi-track recording, guitar effects, and the mechanics of sound in general.
My personal experience with the Les Paul Guitars is one of great joy and satisfaction. After being a hard-core Fender player for decades I purchased a Les Paul about 16 years ago and have found a deep appreciation for the Les Paul sound, quality and play-ability. I will not compare it to a Fender guitar as in my opinion they are extremely different guitars. This by no means is a dig at Fender guitars as they have been in my playing hands since my teenage years and have provided me many years of playing enjoyment.
Partial Discography:
The Legend and the Legacy 1948
Including: So Long Baby, So Long , I Don't Want You No More, Let's Fall in Love , and more...
The Complete Decca Trios -- Plus (1936-1947) 1936
Including: Whose Dream Are You?, It's a Pity to Say Goodnight , Sweet Leilani, and more...
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Les Paul 2001
Including: Caravan, Dark Eyes, It's Been A Long, Long Time, and more...
The Guitar Artistry of Les Paul 1971
Including: Sweet Leilani, Dark Eyes, My Isle of Golden Dreams, and more...
Guitar Legends 2000
Including: Hummingbird, Magic Melodie, How Deep Is the Ocean?, and more...
How High the Moon [ASV/Living Era] 2002
Including: Mockin' Bird Hill, How High the Moon, Lover, and more...
American Made World Played 2005
Including: Fly Like an Eagle, Caravan, Let Me Roll It, and more...
Les Paul Now! 1968
Including: Tennessee Waltz, Caravan, How High the Moon, and more...
Crazy Rhythm 2005
Including: It's Only a Paper Moon, The Man I Love, You Took Advantage of Me, and more...
Guitar Wizard 2002
Warm and Wonderful/Swingin' South 2001
Including: Chasing Shadows, Les's Country Blues, Call on Me, and more...
How High the Moon [Essential Gold] 2004
Including: Mockin' Bird Hill, How High the Moon, Wabash Blues, and more...
16 Most Requested Songs 1958
Including: Lonely Guitar, Wonderful Rain, Big Eyed Gal, and more...
The Legendary Fred Waring Broadcasts: Historic Live Performances (1939-1941) 2004
Including: Sweet Georgia Brown, Ol' Man River, South of the Border
Chester & Lester 1977
Including: Caravan, Someday, Sweetheart, It's Been a Long, Long Time, and more...
All-Time Greatest Hits [Collectables] 2003
Including: I'm Sitting on Top of the World, Tennessee Waltz, Mockin' Bird Hill, and more...
All Time Greatest Hits 1983
Including: I'm Sitting on Top of the World, Goofus, Tennessee Waltz, and more...
Guitar Monsters 1978
Including: Limehouse Blues, I Want to Be Happy, I'm Your Greatest Fan, and more...
Isle of Golden Dreams: The Decca and Capitol Years 2004
Including: Mockin' Bird Hill, A One Sided Affair, How High the Moon, and more...
California Melodies 2003
Including: Out of Nowhere, For You, Oh, Lady Be Good, and more...
V-Disc Recordings 1999
Including: It's Only a Paper Moon, Dark Eyes, How High the Moon, and more...
Definitive Collection 2003
Including: Your Cheatin' Heart, I'm Sitting on Top of the World, Caravan, and more...
The EP Collection...Plus 2001
Including: How High the Moon, Mandolino, I'm a Fool to Care, and more...
Lover's Luau/Bouquet of Roses 2001
Including: I'll Never Be Free, You Win Again, Sweet Leilani
Les Paul. Vaya Con Dios - His 31 Finest 1944-1954 2008
The Best Of 2008
Les Paul & Mary Ford Shows - May & June 1950 2006
Caravan 2005
Best Of: 90th Birthday Edition 2005
The Legendary Fred Waring Broadcasts: Historic Live Performances (1939-1941) 2004
All-Time Greatest Hits [Collectables] 2003
How High the Moon [ASV/Living Era] 2002
Complete Decca Master Takes 2002
How High the Moon [Allegiance] 2002
20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection. 2001
Platinum Reggae, Vol. 4 2001
A Tribute to U2 [Big Eye] 2001
The Columbia Singles Collection 2001
Warm and Wonderful/Swingin' South 2001
Lover's Luau/Bouquet of Roses 2001
Fiesta Mexicana 2001
The EP Collection...Plus 2001
Bye Bye Blues/Les and Mary 2000
The Hit Makers!/Time to Dream 2000
The New Sound/Les Paul's New Sound, Vol. 2 2000
V-Disc Recordings 1999
A Class Act 1998
16 Most Requested Songs 1996
Greatest Hits [Pair] 1994
More Great Hits 1992
The Best Of The Capitol Masters 1992
All-Time Greatest Hits 1992
From the Secret Laboratory 1990
Les Paul Now! 1968
The Fabulous Les Paul & Mary Ford 1965
The Complete Decca Trios-Plus 1947
The Jazz Collector Edition: Les Paul Trio 1947
California Melodies 2003
Rock Billy Boogie/Bad Boy 2001
El Disco de Oro 2001
The Very Best of Jack Scott 2000
Driving Down Memory Lane 2009
Oldies But Goodies - Novelty Hits 2009
Liberty Heights - '50s Hit Collection 2009
Jazz Classics 2009
USA Top Hits - Vol. 2 2008
Country Gold Vol. 1 2008
A Tribute To A Legend 2008
Love And Marriage 2008
Ken Burns "The War" 2007
The War, A Ken Burns Film, Deluxe Edition 2007
Back To The 50's 2007
This Is Jazz 2007
Music Legends Vol. 5 2007
Golden Years Vol. 3 2007
The Fabulous 50s: 1952 2005
The Fabulous 50s: 1953 2005
he Definitive American Song Book: A Vintage Christmas 2005
Les Paul And Friends: American Made World Played 2005
Songs And Speeches That Inspired A Nation To Victory 1939-1945 2005
Definitive Collection 2003
Hits of '52: Here in My Heart 2003
Back to the Fifties: The Golden Hits 2002
Holiday Legends: Happy Holiday 2001
From The Vaults Vol. 6: The Best Of '56 2001
Swing To Bop Guitar: Guitars In Flight 1939-1947 2000
Hittin' on All Six 2000
Holiday Cheer [Delta] 1999
Instrumental Gems Of The Fifties 1999
All-Time Great Instrumental Hits, Vol. 1 1990
The Guitar Artistry of Les Paul 1971
The Essential Chet Atkins 2007
The Master and His Music 2001
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