August 12th marks the anniversary of the passing of Lester William Polsfuss, better known as Les Paul. He was a true musical visionary whose impact goes far beyond the guitar. As a drummer, I live for rhythm and groove, but I know that without Les Paul, the music we love would sound very different. He didn’t just invent one thing; he changed the way we think about sound.
Les Paul created the solid-body electric guitar and pioneered multi-track recording. He transformed how music is captured, layered, and shared. Every musician who has ever stepped into a studio owes a debt to his genius.
You can’t mention Les Paul without talking about the iconic Gibson guitar that bears his name. The Les Paul guitar is known for its thick, warm tone and endless sustain, which changed rock music forever. From Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin to Slash of Guns N’ Roses, and even jazz and country legends, the Les Paul is a badge of honor for players seeking power and soul.
Even as a drummer, I admire Les Paul’s inventions. They gave us the tools to push boundaries and create louder, bolder sounds. Thanks to him, we can layer rhythms and melodies in ways that were once impossible.
Though he passed away in 2009, his spirit lives on in every riff, solo, and groove we hear today. Les Paul didn’t just change the guitar; he changed music itself. Rest in power, Les, and thank you for giving us the tools to make music that lasts forever! Long live Les Paul and his incredible legacy!
