Les Paul and Chet Atkins

Any way you look at it, Les Paul is a living legend.

Better yet, Lester William Polsfuss (later changed to Lester Polsfuss, and then Les Paul) is a national treasure like no other. He’s a rare, class-act-of-a man that comes around once in a lifetime, and anyone who has the pleasure of being in his presence is a better person for it.

At the tender, young age of 94 – which he celebrates today – the incomparable Les Paul is still as amazing as the legacy he continues to grow with every passing year. Of course, he is best known for inventing the modern solid body electric guitar – a glorious instrument that still bears his name today. And he was also the first person to utilize multi-track recording in a studio. Can anyone even begin to imagine where our industry would be today if it wasn’t for these two genius inventions? We sure can’t, and we don’t think you can either.

He still holds court every Monday night at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City, a tradition he started back in 1995. It’s a ceremony of sorts that become somewhat of a pilgrimage for guitar players from all walks of life, from every corner of the world. And he (thankfully) shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

In a world filled with tons of fool-headed, flaky superstars, Les Paul stands as a shining example of what a real role model should be like. And so, it is with great pride that everyone here at Gibson Guitars wishes you, Les Paul, a very Happy Birthday. May your 94th birthday be the grandest one yet. Happy Birthday ol’ friend. And make sure you check out the Happy Birthday video we put together with some of our best friends, who just happen to be Les’ good buddies too!

• Trackback • RSS 2.0