Les Paul, Audio Pioneer

We had so much fun talking about Les Paul on the show.

You probably knew that Les Paul invented an electric guitar that carries his name. But did you know that his mother was instrumental in making the guitar a success? Listen to the tale below.

Les also invented modern recording and production techniques we take for granted, like the eight-track tape recorder, echo, tape delay, and reverb. An audio geek, I have marvelled at his inventive genius. So it was really fun interviewing Sue Baker of the Les Paul Foundation last Friday and having her illustrate, with his hit song “Lover,” how the “Les Paul sound” changed the recording industry.

Meet the Writer

About Ira Flatow

Ira Flatow is the host and executive producer of Science FridayHis green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.