Les Paul rehearses at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City in on October 4, 2004. Twice every Monday night, the renown musician, also known for his innovations on the solid-body electric guitar and multitrack recording, performed onstage with his trio. "It's quite a challenge but I enjoy it," the Waukesha, Wis. native said from the stage that night.
Richard Drew, AP
Music legends Les Paul and B.B. King put their heads together during a jam session at the third anniversary celebration of the B.B. King Blues Club and Grill in New York City's Times Square. Paul holds King's signature "Lucille" guitar, which he played. June 17, 2003
Richard Drew, AP
Paul McCartney tries out a custom-made left handed "Les Paul Lite" guitar presented to him by Paul, left, in New York City. May 3, 1988
AP
Eric Clapton plays a Les Paul guitar.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
President Bush presents the 2007 National Medals of Arts to guitar pioneer Les Paul during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. November 15, 2007
Gerald Herbert, AP
U2 guitarist the Edge performs with a Les Paul guitar during the 13th Annual MusiCares Person Of The Year tribute at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. February 21, 2003
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
Slash and Les Paul at the Gibson Guitars Honors Rock 'N Roll Legend Les Paul for a 50th Anniversary Celebration. August 13, 2001
RJ Capak, WireImage
Aerosmith lead guitarist Joe Perry plays a Les Paul guitar at the United We Stand concert at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. October 21, 2001
Paul J. Richards, AFP / Getty Images
Les Paul and Eddie Van Halen pose together. January 1, 1988
Ebet Roberts, Redferns
Randy Rhodes plays a Gibson Les Paul guitar during a live performance with Ozzy Osbourne. October 20, 1980
Fin Costello, Redferns