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The Legendary Les Paul Dies at 94
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 13, 2009
Modified Aug 13, 2009
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 13, 2009
Modified Aug 13, 2009
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The latest victim of the deadly '09 is guitar legend Les Paul. He was 94 and at a White Plains hospital where he succumbed to complications from pneumonia today. Even into his old age, and with arthritis, he was performing at the Iridium Jazz Club on Broadway. His biography is stacked with genius, but he's probably best known for pioneering the development of the solid-body electric guitar, which is, you know, the backbone of the rock and roll sound. CNN lists off his many accomplishments both behind the guitar and in the studio, and talks to Gibson's CEO Henry Juszkiewicz, who told them more about the man behind it all; "The world has lost a truly innovative and exceptional human being today. I cannot imagine life without Les Paul. He would walk into a room and put a smile on anyone's face. His musical charm was extraordinary and his techniques unmatched anywhere in the world." After the jump catch him playing the Iridium just two years ago (and here's a video from his younger years).
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Les Paul
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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