Les Paul (1915-2009): The Innovator of Rock’N'Roll dies at 94
Lester William Polfuss, also known as Les Paul, is seeing by many as the Father of Modern Music. Besides making the sound of rock and roll possible, Les is also known as the innovator of multitrack recordings and other effects for guitar. The most visible trademark of his legacy are Gibson Les Paul guitars, built after Les’ 1940s The Log model. The Les Paul models have been played by many popular guitarists (i.e. Slash) and stand for the sound of rock and roll, defined by Les himself.
It is amazing to see what Les has accomplished in his lifetime. Without him music would not be what it is right now. Even though, I love studio-live recordings of rock bands, I’m very happy to listen to bombastic multitrack productions that can only be produced like that thanks to the innovation of Mr. Polfuss. Les was a genuine inventor. He played and lived music and spent hours thinking about how to improve his sound and the productions he was working on. And THAT is a true innovator: Create a tool or process that gives additional value to what you have or do.
Dear Les, thank you for everything you gave to the world of music. Your genius will be missed.
Les Paul was indeed a true innovator, driving by the most powerful of forces: love for his profession. Rest in peace Les.
Wouter
August 26, 2009 at 4:27 am