Musical pioneer and inventor Les Paul, died yesterday at the ripe old age of 94, from complications arising from pneumonia. Paul played an important role in developing the solid body electric guitar as we know it. He released a series of Gibson guitars over the years, in particular the revolutionary Gibson Les Paul, developed in the early 1950s. He is also credited with discovering many recording techniques and effects that are now commonplace, such as overdubbing, delay effects and multitrack recording.

Born Lester William Polsfuss, as a musician, Paul recorded under the name Rhubarb Red, as well as playing for many years as part of the Les Paul Trio. His death has been greeted with much sorrow from the music community.

Henry Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson said "The world has lost a truly innovative and exceptional human being today...He would walk into a room and put a smile on anyone's face. His musical charm was extraordinary and his techniques unmatched anywhere in the world"

 "My friend & mentor Les Paul died today at 94, he was one of the most stellar human beings I've ever known, rest in peace Les" - Slash

"He shared his gifts with all of us and brought people together with his brilliance and devotion to music and the art of sound." -The Hold Steady's Tad Kubler
 
"He was a legend in his own time" -  Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora.