http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/13/obit.les.paul/
Looks like it's official... :(
He was certainly a genius... Not only for the Les Paul guitars, but also for his great music and for his experiments in the studio - his work certainly influenced Queen, especially Brian.
Gee, that was a great clip but much too short. I'll certainly give him his due, though I've never been a big fan of the Les Paul sound, but I love it when Brian does blues.
I was there the night that Brian played with Les at "Fat Tuesday's", and kept getting the sense from Brian that he did not feel that he was worthy, to be on a stage with Les Paul. Brian kept shaking his head and Les kept encouraging Brian, that he was doing fine. They did two short numbers, but it was wonderful to see the two of them together. For an added bonus, after Brian left the stage, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter from the Doobie Bros. and Steely Dan, and Al DiMeola also came on stage to play with Les.....a lot of good guitar that night....and what most people don't realize is that Les Pual had to completely reteach himself how to play guitar after suffering from debillitating arthritis, and he was still brilliant.
On top of creating the solid-body electric guitar, let's not forget he pioneered multi-track recording. How many people could say their inventions have touched literally every person in the western world? Unless someone has never heard a piece of recorded music from the last 50 years.
RIP, Les. You changed the world.
Everyone should hear the brilliance of the Lester and Chester (Chet Atkins) album. Recommended listening to anyone who is still convinced that any rock guitarist is the "best guitarist of all time." Amazing as Brian is, he had every right to feel a bit uneasy playing with Les Paul. Most guitarists wouldn't have even had the nerve to come on stage.
rschoorl wrote:
I was there the night that Brian played with Les at "Fat Tuesday's", and kept getting the sense from Brian that he did not feel that he was worthy, to be on a stage with Les Paul. Brian kept shaking his head and Les kept encouraging Brian, that he was doing fine. They did two short numbers, but it was wonderful to see the two of them together. For an added bonus, after Brian left the stage, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter from the Doobie Bros. and Steely Dan, and Al DiMeola also came on stage to play with Les.....a lot of good guitar that night....and what most people don't realize is that Les Pual had to completely reteach himself how to play guitar after suffering from debillitating arthritis, and he was still brilliant.