The "Wizard of Waukesha" has played his last note.
Les Paul, the man who is credited with the invention of the electric guitar, died today at age 94.
I had the privilege of meeting Les four different times following his weekly Monday night shows at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City (you never knew what music legend would show up to play with Les on a Monday night; Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Slash, Steve Miller, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Van Halen to name a few). Les made you feel like a true pal. He was always ready with a warm handshake and a friendly greeting for each person who waited in line to meet
him following the 10 p.m. show. It was a privilege to sit next to Les as he signed and answered my questions. I always mentioned I was from near St. Louis and he'd recall his days playing guitar on KMOX radio. Les was a great signer; one of the best. Guitars, CDs, albums, pickguards, photos, you name it, Les put his name on it.
The above shots are from my last visit with Les on December 9, 2008, my last visit with Les. He hadn't been feeling well, and there was some doubt as to whether he'd make his post-concert appearance. Nevertheless, after about 20 minutes he appeared from backstage and walked over to "his booth" to meet and greet his fans. He signed a CD for me and two, 8 x 10s, all personalized with "To: Kevin" and his trademark "Howdy" greeting.
Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol winner, is in Springfield, Illinois, tonight at the Illinois State Fair. Earlier this afternoon, she stopped on the way from her tour bus to a Starbucks to pose for this shot and sign a CD for me. Earlier this year, her single, "My Life Would Suck Without You," advanced from No. 97 to No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart in its first week of release, breaking the record for the largest leap to the top position in chart history.
About 15 minutes later, I grabbed this photo with Kelly's opening act, singer Eric Hutchinson.
