Les Paul (born Lester William Polfuss) is the epitome of a legend. The guitar he designed ended up becoming one of the most recognizable and widely used instruments in the rock genre -- and even outside of that. The Les Paul guitar is responsible for laying down some of the greatest and most remembered music of all time ("Stairway to Heaven"...anything by Led Zeppelin, anyone?). Furthermore, he was an innovator for pioneering the practice of multitrack recording and was a key figure in progressing the rock 'n' roll genre, in both its rise and development.
It was in 1952 that Gibson Guitars began production on the popular Les Paul guitar model. The production was a result of Paul's creation of a guitar referred to as "The Log" which was crafted out of a 4" x 4", a bridge, a single pickup, and guitar neck. It was his response to a growing frustration with the guitars being produced during the 1930s. "The Log" revolutionized the electric guitar world and, in turn, made a deep impact on the music industry.
Paul passed away today at the age of 94 due to complications from pneumonia. He is a man who will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on in every note that gets plucked or strummed on that iconic Les Paul guitar.
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