Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Longtime friend remembers legendary guitarist, recording innovator Les Paul

Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.

Listen 3:48
Longtime friend remembers legendary guitarist, recording innovator Les Paul
Longtime friend remembers legendary guitarist, recording innovator Les Paul

The flag sitting on top of Capitol Records is flying at half staff today in memory of Les Paul. He died Thursday in New York of complications of pneumonia. He was 94.

Paul developed an early solid body electric guitar and was the originator of multi-track music recording. Paul was also instrumental in the development of the Capitol label and its studios. Paul first signed with Capitol in 1948.

Recording engineer Al Schmitt knew Les Paul for decades and considered him an “uncle.” KPCC's Alex Cohen reached Schmitt at his home in the San Fernando Valley and asked him about the first time he met Les Paul.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right