Very few people have innovated modern music like Lester William Polsfuss, more affectionately known as Les Paul. Not only are his guitars prized by many musicians worldwide, but some of his techniques in both recording and musicianship were incredibly inventive and ahead of his time. We salute the late great Les Paul today, on what would have been his 104th birthday.
Les Paul was self-taught, learning how to play guitar and rising through the ranks as a country musician. He quickly found a home in the jazz community, working with Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby on new hit songs. Paul became fascinated with the process of recording, and Crosby eventually sponsored his work. Tape delays, multi-track recordings, phasing and more were all ideas pioneered by Paul throughout his career.
Though injuries plagued Les Paul in his later career, the man continued to perform every Monday night with a jazz trio at the Iridium in New York, NY. He even won a Grammy award at age 90 for his work on the album Les Paul & Friends: American Made World Played!
Les was a true musicians musician, revered by any of the countless legends that fans might recognize. In honor of Paul’s birthday, we picked one of the most legendary blues musicians to have ever lived, B.B. King, to show the enormous level of respect given to the legendary Les Paul.
Enjoy this footage of Les jamming with B.B. King, David Gilmour, and Eddie Van Halen to celebrate this special day. Enjoy!
[Video:Â Acoustic World]