Les Paul, the guitarist and inventor who changed the face of modern music through the electric guitar, has died at the age of 94, it has been announced.
Mr Paul, an inductee of the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, died after complictations from pneumonia in White Plains, New York, said a statement from Gibson Guitars.
Born Lester William Polfuss in 1915, he was credited with inventing one of the first solid-body electric guitars and played an integral part in the rise of rock 'n' roll music through developing multi-track recording, which allowed musicians' to record different instruments and vocals at different times.
He was also behind the development of overdubbing and delay effects, and scored 11 number one singles with his wife Mary Ford.
'The world has lost a truly innovative and exceptional human being today,' said Henry Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitars.
'I cannot imagine life without Les Paul.
'He would walk into a room and put a smile on anyone's face. His musical charm was extraordinary and his techniques unmatched anywhere in the world.'
Guns N Roses guitarist Slash, who has played a Gibson Les Paul throughout his career, said the pioneer was 'exceptionally brilliant'.
'Les Paul was a shining example of how full one's life can be,' he added. 'He was so vibrant and full of positive energy. I'm honoured and humbled to have known and played with him over the years.'
Mr Paul, an inductee of the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, died after complictations from pneumonia in White Plains, New York, said a statement from Gibson Guitars.
Born Lester William Polfuss in 1915, he was credited with inventing one of the first solid-body electric guitars and played an integral part in the rise of rock 'n' roll music through developing multi-track recording, which allowed musicians' to record different instruments and vocals at different times.
He was also behind the development of overdubbing and delay effects, and scored 11 number one singles with his wife Mary Ford.
'The world has lost a truly innovative and exceptional human being today,' said Henry Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitars.
'I cannot imagine life without Les Paul.
'He would walk into a room and put a smile on anyone's face. His musical charm was extraordinary and his techniques unmatched anywhere in the world.'
Guns N Roses guitarist Slash, who has played a Gibson Les Paul throughout his career, said the pioneer was 'exceptionally brilliant'.
'Les Paul was a shining example of how full one's life can be,' he added. 'He was so vibrant and full of positive energy. I'm honoured and humbled to have known and played with him over the years.'
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