GUITAR DAD

I am immensely grateful for the musical genius and pioneering spirit of Les Paul, who died last week at the age of 94. He perfected the design and functionality of the solid-body electric guitar and basically invented multi-track recording. The significance of these innovations cannot be overstated.

I never met the man but feel a close kinship with him. I've kept his autograph in my wallet for 20 years now. Back in 1989, a college buddy of mine saw Les perform at Fat Tuesday's in Manhattan. After the show, my friend met the guitarist and was kind enough to get an autograph for me on the back of a Fat Tuesday's business card. I've always loved that Les scrawled "Howdy!" after my name. What a cool guy!

Thanks, Les, for doing everything so well and bringing so much happiness to so many people. Your enormous influence touches every corner of the music world.