The World Says Goodbye To a Hero, Les Paul
Remembering Les Paul, 1915-2009
Yesterday, August 13, 2009, guitarist and inventor Les Paul died at the age of 94. Amongst being a famous guitar virtuoso as well as an even more famous inventor in the craft of 20th century sound and the solid body guitar, he was also a friendly and warm kind of guy whom I once had the pleasure of meeting.
Shortly after his 92nd birthday, in a small jazz club in Times Square, my girlfriend and I attended one of Les’ regular monday night gigs. Myself being a young guitar player with plenty to be shy about in the realm of New York territory, was seeking a way to get backstage to meet the man who helped start it all. I used the only tricks I had that night, which was just a couple of name drops and a smile and a “please”, and soon after I was shaking Les’ hand and introducing him to my sweet, and even more beautiful, lady friend. I gave him my thanks for all that he had done for the advances in the music world, and he humbly and graciously excepted. It was truly awesome.
After a picture and autograph accompanied by lots of stuttered sentences and smiles, we returned to our seats to watch the show. Les came out to the stage, wearing his usual turtle neck attire and slacks, and picked up his guitar; and when I say “his” guitar, I mean exactly that. Les and his trio delivered a jazz set that gleamed a certain sensation, leaving no one in that room untouched. Even though this was just Les’ weekly Manhattan gig, I felt I was witnessing history, and that’s because I was. The history of a life long work was coming through those notes, notes that couldn’t be denied by anyone. ”Most certainly the best guitar playing I’ll ever see from a 92 year old man,” I undoubtably told myself.
My Les Paul experience will stay with me forever, as will his legacy stay with the world. I am forever thankful for the man responsible for helping to give America what I think is one of the most important and greatest gifts I can imagine; the electric guitar. It started a movement in Rock n’ Roll and our culture, and we as musicians and music lovers must remember how much Les Paul has helped us get to where we are today.
Richie Kihlken
Saturday night’s cd release party was a blast and a huge success. The band was rocking and jamming hard, while the energized crowd fed the vibe. I am thrilled that so many fans and friends could make it out to the show to support the release of my first album; I thank you all so much. Look forward to another big show with the band TBA soon.
