Les Paul,of Mahwah NJ, the musician and inventor who achieved immortality through the guitar that bears his name died today. He was 94. Besides inventing the solid-body electric guitar, Paul also helped transform the way sound is recorded by inventing multi-tracking, reverb and close-miking. He is the only person to be inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

In 1947, Paul recorded a single that changed the course of music by inventing multi-tracking. He layered eight guitar tracks on top of each other: he would record one part then record himself playing along with the earlier recording. He kept doing that until all eight parts were on one disc. He also invented the solid-body electric we all play. "The minute I picked up the guitar, I fell in love. I knew that I would play it for the rest of my life. The only problem with it was that it wasn't loud enough." So he started experimenting. One of his early models was a block of wood with strings and two pickups attached. In 1952, the Gibson guitar company started manufacturing his invention and calling them "Les Paul model guitars". If it hadn't been for him we'd all be playing acoustic (can you guys picture me lugging around a big upright bass?).

Paul was given honorary Grammys in 1983 and 2001, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. "I have been credited with inventing a few things you guys are using. Have fun with my toys" he said in his acceptance speech. Once, asked which suited him best -- performer, guitar designer, or ground-breaking recording engineer -- Paul replied: "You know, I'd like to add a fourth category: Somebody who made people happy." Slash once said "We all must own up that without Les Paul, generations of little punks like us would be in jail or cleaning toilets. This man, by his genius, made the music road we still travel today."

Mr Paul, you changed all our lives and our culture. Millions of kids like me would not be playing without your inventions.The world is better because of you. Rest in Peace.