Les Paul in His Own Words

by Michael Cochran

In 2009, the legendary Les Paul passed away at the age of 94. In celebration of his life, this book, capturing Paul's own reflections on his remarkable inventions and guitar playing, was published as a high-end collector's edition. In 2015, Les Paul reached his centennial, and Backbeat Books is pleased to celebrate the legend once more in the first-ever paperback edition of Les Paul in His Own Words , making his fascinating story available to a wide range of readers.

This book is the definitive work on the recording and electric guitar pioneer whose prodigious talents and relentless work ethic single-handedly launched a new era in American popular music. This authentic account of Les Paul's life is packed with words of wisdom and experience from one of the most important contributors to modern music.

366 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2016

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gets an extra star because, as a guitar player, I am inherently biased! Even so, Les Paul is one of the most under-appreciated figures in entertainment history. His name is synonymous with a Gibson guitar, but do you have any idea why his name is still on that guitar?

Therein lies the real story of an entertainer/inventor who almost singlehandedly set the stage for rock and roll as we know it. In the process, he ironically doomed his own remarkable career as an entertainer. Did you know that, in 1951 alone, Les Paul sold 6 million records? Nope, you didn't.

Les's list of entertainment and engineering accomplishments makes this one of the most interesting "rock biographies" I've ever read. His openness about his pre-rock era personal life and struggles gives an endearing look at the lives of the big-time entertainers who lived before Elvis came along and re-invented "excess."

[Barry Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Master guitar player, inventor of multi-track recording, tape delay and echo, the solid body guitar, humbucking pick-ups and dozens of other innovations in guitar, amplifier, and recording technology, this is the story of Les Paul, the Wizard of Wakaukesha, told in his own words and gorgeously illustrated with hundreds of rare photographs and clippings from his own archives. A must-have for any fan of the guitar or modern recording. - BH.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good