When one of the greatest innovators of the electric guitar died on Aug. 13 at the age of 94, not many people took notice, apart from the so-called "serious musicians."
And to be honest, a lot of people probably don't know why Les Paul is a significant cultural figure. Apart from being credited with pioneering the creation of the electric guitar, he was also a well-known jazz musician without whom the world arguably would not have overdubbing, delay effects and multi-track recording.
Still don't know recognize him?
He created the Les Paul model guitar. The one made famous by Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin, Slash from Guns 'n Roses, Joe Perry from Aerosmith, and many others. Essentially, without his guitar we would not have that heavy, balls-to-the-wall guitar sound that has become synonymous with Hard Rock.
Without Les Paul, rock 'n roll as we know it would not exist. Period. His legacy is that of helping to shape a style of music that continues to live on and spawn different sub-genres as quickly as rabbits...well...you know.
About two months prior on June 25, Michael Jackson - The King of Pop - died suddenly at the age of 50. One of the most celebrated celebrity pedophiles (allegedly!) since Lewis Carroll, no one will shut up about every aspect of the man's mysterious death, his family affairs and the legacy he leaves behind.
He inspired generations of dance moves, people say. He redefined pop music, they argue to no end.
So why is it I can't open any of the major music magazines or turn on the television without being beat over the head with images of a man who couldn't decide if he was "Black or White," yet the same attention isn't given to Les Paul?
Because Les Paul didn't make headlines. Because Les Paul was a serious musician who was never a "celebrity," at least not insomuch as defined by the MTV Generation.
And essentially because Les Paul’s contributions were much more subtle than Michael Jackson’s.
The point of this little diatribe?
If I have to hear one more “breaking news” item on a television “news” channel about Jackson’s estate or legacy, I’m going to shit blood from my ears.
Les Paul will continue to live on through a legacy with tentacles directly and indirectly attached to every facet of popular music. The world has lost an amazing man and musician.
On a side note, if there was any band that should be hung from the gallows for their indirect effect on popular culture, it would have to be Pearl Jam, the group we can blame for influencing the musical style of stellar acts such as Nickelback and Creed.
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