http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/14/2655525.htm
Guitar hero Les Paul dies
Guitar legend Les Paul has passed away aged 94. (Getty Images: Amy Sussman, file photo)
Legendary guitarist and inventor Les Paul, who pioneered designs of electric guitars, has died of complications from pneumonia at a New York hospital, his lawyer says. He was 94.
Attorney Michael Braunstein says Paul died at the White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York.
He added that Paul had been "in and out of the hospital" for about two months and had battled a number of illnesses.
"At 94, it's hard to fight a lot of stuff," he said.
"He's a historical person. He certainly has left his mark here on Earth and had many, many friends."
Paul had been a dominant force in the music business since World War II.
He and wife Mary Ford enjoyed a string of hits in the 1940s and 1950s that included Mockin' Bird Hill and How High The Moon.
A passionate tinkerer, he created one of the first solid-body electric guitars in 1941 and went on to pioneer multi-track recording.
Paul played a key role in the birth of rock 'n' roll in the early 1950s when he teamed up with Gibson Guitar Corp to help design a sleek model that bears his name.
An instant success, its basic structure has barely changed over the decades.
Despite arthritis and hearing problems, Paul remained an indefatigable musician, playing regularly at a New York jazz club into his 90s.
Paul is survived by three sons, a daughter and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Tributes
Guitarists and music industry figures have mourned Paul's passing.
"My friend and mentor Les Paul died today at 94. He was one of the most stellar human beings I've ever known," former Guns 'N' Roses guitarist Slash said.
"Les Paul was truly a 'one of a kind.' We owe many of his inventions that made the rock 'n' roll sound of today to him, and he was the founding father of modern music," said blues guitarist BB King.
"Les Paul set a standard for musicianship and innovation that remains unsurpassed. He was the original guitar hero, and the kindest of souls," said guitarist Joe Satriani.
Gibson Guitar president Dave Berryman paid tribute to the "father of the electric guitar".
"He was not only one of the world's greatest innovators but a legend who created, inspired and contributed to the success of musicians around the world," he said.
Neil Portnow, president of the Recording Academy, says Paul will always be remembered with "great fondness".
"Les Paul was a musical mastermind whose innovations in electric guitar and recorded music are unparalleled," he said.
"His magnetic charm and sunny disposition matched his incredible skill set and he will always be remembered with great fondness, humility and respect."
Guitar hero Les Paul dies
Guitar legend Les Paul has passed away aged 94. (Getty Images: Amy Sussman, file photo)
Legendary guitarist and inventor Les Paul, who pioneered designs of electric guitars, has died of complications from pneumonia at a New York hospital, his lawyer says. He was 94.
Attorney Michael Braunstein says Paul died at the White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York.
He added that Paul had been "in and out of the hospital" for about two months and had battled a number of illnesses.
"At 94, it's hard to fight a lot of stuff," he said.
"He's a historical person. He certainly has left his mark here on Earth and had many, many friends."
Paul had been a dominant force in the music business since World War II.
He and wife Mary Ford enjoyed a string of hits in the 1940s and 1950s that included Mockin' Bird Hill and How High The Moon.
A passionate tinkerer, he created one of the first solid-body electric guitars in 1941 and went on to pioneer multi-track recording.
Paul played a key role in the birth of rock 'n' roll in the early 1950s when he teamed up with Gibson Guitar Corp to help design a sleek model that bears his name.
An instant success, its basic structure has barely changed over the decades.
Despite arthritis and hearing problems, Paul remained an indefatigable musician, playing regularly at a New York jazz club into his 90s.
Paul is survived by three sons, a daughter and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Tributes
Guitarists and music industry figures have mourned Paul's passing.
"My friend and mentor Les Paul died today at 94. He was one of the most stellar human beings I've ever known," former Guns 'N' Roses guitarist Slash said.
"Les Paul was truly a 'one of a kind.' We owe many of his inventions that made the rock 'n' roll sound of today to him, and he was the founding father of modern music," said blues guitarist BB King.
"Les Paul set a standard for musicianship and innovation that remains unsurpassed. He was the original guitar hero, and the kindest of souls," said guitarist Joe Satriani.
Gibson Guitar president Dave Berryman paid tribute to the "father of the electric guitar".
"He was not only one of the world's greatest innovators but a legend who created, inspired and contributed to the success of musicians around the world," he said.
Neil Portnow, president of the Recording Academy, says Paul will always be remembered with "great fondness".
"Les Paul was a musical mastermind whose innovations in electric guitar and recorded music are unparalleled," he said.
"His magnetic charm and sunny disposition matched his incredible skill set and he will always be remembered with great fondness, humility and respect."
