In Memory of Les Paul

Les Paul died on August 13. To guitarists everywhere it is more than just the passing of an icon and a gifted musician. Without his inventions and innovations, the popular music world might be a different animal. Unable to realize his musical ideas with the technology available, such as having a singer harmonize with his or herself, Les matter-of-factly created the technology to achieve his goals. His invention of multitrack recording and the subsequent ability to overdub, tape echo and its ensuing cadre of kin such as reverb and flanging, and, of course, the development of the electric guitar makes Les one of the most important figures in popular music history.

The duo of Les Paul and Mary Ford were very popular during the 1950s. They frequently appear on live television programs of the day and they had their own radio show. Check the clip below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQZojv_udMU&feature=related

There are hundreds of blogs and tributes to Les Paul. I can't say anything new that hasn't been said before. Consider Les' contribution to popular music and the industry, and his passing is made all the more poignant.

Rest in peace Les Paul.