Les Paul

USA, 1938–2009

American guitarist and inventor (1915-2009). He developed an early solid-body electric guitar and multitrack recording, both of which changed how records are made.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Les Paul and 3 artists Les Paul influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Les Paul?

• Django Reinhardt — Les Paul idolised Django Reinhardt — the gypsy-jazz phrasing that shaped his own virtuoso guitar style.

Which artists did Les Paul influence?

• Jeff Beck — Les Paul was one of Beck's major influences — the electric-guitar innovator whose tone and technique he revered.
• Steve Miller — Les Paul was Miller's godfather and mentor — the guitar and recording lessons that launched him.
• Ritchie Blackmore — Listed by Blackmore among his guitar influences.