courtesy Absolute Michigan…

Electric Blues, photo by Rudy Malmquist.

“Les Paul brought six strings to electricity and electricity to six strings. Les Paul was an innovator, a groundbreaker, a risk taker, a mentor and a friend. Try to imagine what we’d be doing if he hadn’t come along and changed the world. There will always be more Les to come. That’s certified.”
~ Billy Gibbons, one of many to praise Paul

Les Paul, designer of the Gibson Les Paul and an incredibly influential musician, passed away yesterday at the age of 94.

Wikipedia says that in addition to collaborting on the the guitar that bore his name, Paul is credited with recording innovations including overdubbing, tape delay, phasing effects, and multitrack recording. The “Wizard of Waukesha” was also one of the most influential guitarists ever, developing licks, trills, chording sequences, fretting techniques and timing that set him apart from his contemporaries and have carried through to the modern day.

There’s so much more to be said. Start with:

Les Paul Online is the artists official web site. Definitely go here to get a feel for the man. Paul’s good humor and amazing skills shine through.

The World Has Lost a Remarkable Innovator and Musician: Les Paul Passes Away at 94 from Gibson Guitar

What makes the Gibson Les Paul unique and The Man Behind the Guitar from the Les Paul Guide

You can (and should) watch Les Paul – Chasing Sound! on YouTube. Also see Les Paul Chasing Sound (IN MEMORIAM 1915-2009) at PBS to read some great history and a timeline of Paul’s career.

Legendary guitar-maker Les Paul left mark in Kalamazoo from mLive is just one of the articles they have about Paul.

Gibson Guitar in Kalamazoo, Michigan from Michigan in Pictures seems to be where people go to ask questions about Gibson guitars the have … and has some good information about the company.

Be sure to check out Rudy’s photo bigger.