Furious Seasons

August 13, 2009

Les Paul

Les Paul died earlier today, aged 94. I don't even know where to begin with this great, great man. He was the inventor of multi-track recording, designed one of the greatest guitars ever (Gibson's Les Paul), wrote a hit song with his one-time wife Mary Ford ("How High The Moon") and continued to play weekly shows at a New York City club well into his 90s. He was also a great guitarist, his style a mix of jazz, blues and country. His death isn't tragic. Paul lived a long and interesting life and his contribution to American (and world) culture is obvious. The guy was only semi-responsible for pop music.

The fact that he died on my birthday utterly silences me.

I don't especially care for this video of Paul and Ford but it's pretty much all YouTube has got for "How High The Moon," which is a classic song.

Posted by Philip Dawdy at August 13, 2009 10:08 AM

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Comments

Happy Birthday!

Posted by: Stephany at August 13, 2009 10:38 AM

Happy Birthday. I'm pretty sure Les Paul has moved to greener pastures.

Posted by: Sally at August 13, 2009 11:34 AM

Happy Birthday to one of my favourite Seattlites. Seattletarians. Seattleans. Or whatever it is.

And thank you very much for this tribute to Les Paul. He was one hell of a musician, eh? I'm watching his guitar work on this clip... Great stuff.

Posted by: Sherry at August 13, 2009 12:28 PM

Philip,

All the best to you on this birthday of yours and all the rest.

Forever.

Cheers,
sln

Posted by: Sandy Naiman at August 13, 2009 01:31 PM

Philip,

Happy Birthday!

Also thanks for the great Les Paul/Mary Ford video. Terrific musicians.

Posted by: Rosie at August 13, 2009 02:37 PM

Happy Blessed Birthday

Our favorite Seattlite born on Alfred Hitchcock's birthday!

Posted by: susan at August 13, 2009 04:33 PM

Happy Birthday Philip!

Posted by: Ana at August 13, 2009 05:48 PM

Happy Birthday!!

Posted by: Melissa at August 13, 2009 06:47 PM

Birthday greetings,Phil! An old school MYSpace forum acquaintance wishes you well!

Posted by: Julie at August 14, 2009 02:05 AM

Wishing you a very happy belated birthday. Terribly sorry that we lost Les Paul however on your birthday. He really was a tinkerer that changed modern music, with his inventions. Amazing man - I can only hope to live as long, and as fully as he did.

Posted by: Deb at August 14, 2009 06:52 AM

Happy belated birthday, Philip.

Posted by: Kass at August 14, 2009 01:43 PM

Loved this Happy Birthday!

Posted by: Miss Charley at August 16, 2009 07:36 AM