Times Square Gossip

Les Paul Guitar legend Les Paul has died after a battle with pneumonia. He was 94. The father of the electric guitar passed away with his family and friends by his bedside at White Plains Hospital in New York today, after suffering complications. Born Lester William Polfuss in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the star rose to fame in the 1930s as a jazz guitarist. After a brief stint with The Les Paul Trio, formed in New York with pals Jim Atkins and bassist Ernie Newton in 1938, Paul moved to Hollywood where he landed his big break playing alongside Nat King Cole as a last minute stand-in for Oscar Moore. The 1944 performance in the inaugural Jazz at the Philharmonic concert in Los Angeles California, led Paul to appear on Bing Crosby’s radio show, a partnership that would later produce a number of hit records, including 1945 song It’s Been A Long, Long Time. Paul also scored a string of chart successes with his wife Mary Ford, whom he was married to for 13 years until 1962, such as How High the ...

Les Paul with rocker Adam Bomb The legend himself Les Paul celebrated his 92nd birthday with a huge bash at New York City's 'Cutting Room' hosted by Steve Walter and Gibson Guitar. The electric guitar inventor wasted no time heading to the stage and throwing jokes at the audience and grabbing a guitar and playing a tune to a standing ovation crowd. Gibson guitar CEO Henry Juszkiewicz took the mike to sing the praises of Les Paul, while Les wasted no time on commenting that he always turns his hearing aids off when Henry speaks. 'Beatles' John Lennon's girlfriend, the beautiful May Pang stopped by to party as did 'Threes Company' star Joyce Dewitt who was the hit of the evening. Rocker Adam Bomb played a set on stage while Public Relations powerhouse Claire O'Connor made sure I had a huge hangover the next day. Mission accomplished ! Gibson Guitar CEO Henry Juszkiewiez and Steve Walter

Les Paul I recently caught legend Les Paul performing at Iridium Jazz club on Broadway. Man this guy really can pack the house. The legend who created the electric guitar and the 8 track recorder, has won 5 Grammy's and performs there every Monday to sellout crowds. Having just celebrated his 91st birthday at the club, another legend stopped by to sing a tune with him, Jose Feliciano himself! On your next visit to NYC or if you live here the address is: Iridium Jazz Club 1650 Broadway New York, NY 10019 Tel : 212 582 2121