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Guitar Legend and Inventor Les Paul Died

August 13th, 2009 by Jeff Vivrette

Les Paul was undoubtedly one of the most innovative talented guitarists of all time. Many people may not even know that the Gibson “Les Paul” guitar, made famous by such musician’s as Jimmy Page, Peter Frampton, Ace Frehley, Al DiMiola, Pete Townsend, Randy Rhoads and Zak Wylde, was named after the man, Les Paul.

Les Paul was born on June 9, 1915 and made his first attempt at making an electric guitar at the age of 13. By 1929, he was playing a prototype of his electric guitar.

Les Paul was also famous for inventing the multi-track recorder that enabled musicians to record on more than one track of music. He also invented the “Tape Echo” machine.

Les remained an active player into his 90’s.

He will be missed and I will always be grateful for having owned a piece of Leas Paul history myself since 1979. A Gibson “Les Paul K.M. Model” made in Kalamazoo, Michigan when the Gibson factory was located there.

Rest in peace Les – I’m sure your making beautiful music in heaven right now.