LES PAUL 1915-2009
Special to Tribune Newspapers by Claudia Luther. August 14th
"Les Paul, the virtuoso guitarist, entertainer and relentless innovator whose drive to produce the sounds he wanted for his recordings and instruments helped pave the way for rock 'n'roll, died Thursday. He was 94."
After leading the house band on Chicago's WJJD radio, he became very popular in the 1950s with songs recorded with wife, singer Mary Ford, in songs like "Vaya Con Dios" and "How High the Moon."
INVENTIONS
However, it will be his inventions that put him a step above. They include an early electric guitar and multi-tracking.
"Ironically, the onset of rock 'n' roll--with its heavy emphasis on the electric guitar--ended Mr. Paul's and his wife's prominence on the music scene."
ELECTRIC GUITAR
In the early 20s, many were trying to figure out how to amplify a guitar. Paul tried using a phonograph needle, telephone mouthpiece, and a radio speaker and it got louder, but developed problems with feedback. He realized the guitar's hollow body was the culprit and wouldn't be needed.
Solution? Fill it with something. Mr. Paul tried socks and shirts and even plaster of Paris, which caused other problems.
Then, it came to him. How about a solid piece of wood? He attached electric pickups and strings to a 4-by-4 piece of pine about 12 inches long and he got what he wanted. But, did that ever look stupid. Solution? Cut the guitar in half lengthwise and bolt wood to the back of it. Electric Guitar invented.
Such a Genius.
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