Les Paul

Les Paul, known for his huge influence on American popular music, also made significant contributions to the jazz world. Before focusing on pop hits, he established himself as a talented jazz guitarist with a unique style influenced by Django Reinhardt, showcasing rapid runs and humorous effects. Despite his lack of formal music training, Paul's innate sense of structure and innovative experimentation with electric guitars and multi-track recording left a lasting impact on jazz musicians like George Benson and Pat Martino.

Paul's career spanned from playing with radio bands to recording groundbreaking hits like "How High the Moon" with Mary Ford. His collaborations with artists like Chet Atkins and Al DiMeola showcased his continued relevance in the music scene. Even in his later years, Paul's performances at New York clubs and collaborations with renowned musicians demonstrated his enduring legacy as a pioneering guitarist and performer before his passing in 2009.