PAUL, LES

1916–, American guitarist and inventor, b. Waukesha, Wis., as Lester William Polfus. He began playing country music at 14, later switched to jazz, and started his own trio in 1936. Considered one of the finest jazz guitarists, he is famous for his amazing versatility. Dissatisfied with the sound of available instruments, Paul invented (1941) a solid-body electric guitar. Marketed (1951) by Gibson, it was extremely important in the development of rock music and was played by many of its greatest stars. Several versions of his prized guitars are still manufactured. Paul also created techniques in his home studio that allowed him to overdub numerous tracks, producing the distinctive sound of Les Paul and Mary Ford (his wife) in such 1950s hits as "Vaya Con Dios" and "How High the Moon." The multitrack recording originated by Paul has since been widely used to make popular recordings. He also invented the eight-track tape recorder and made important innovations in reverb and other areas of studio methodology. Paul was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition Copyright© 2004, Columbia University Press. Licensed from Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products N.V. All rights reserved.

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