How many inventors are also great artists? Les Paul was both—an innovator in jazz, blues, and pop music who also pioneered the design of the solid-body electric guitar (since made iconic by the Gibson brand that bears his name). He passed away Thursday, August 13 in White Plains, New York, from "complications of severe pneumonia." He was 94 years old. In memory of Paul, we offer a tribute with these YouTube clips.

by Seth Colter Walls

A truly great commercial, in which an aging Paul schools a youngun playing the guitar he invented.



Here's some blues from Les Paul, courtesy of what looks like a TV appearance from the 1970s or early '80s. Country legend Chet Atkins joins Paul halfway through.



Going back to the '50s, here we see Paul jamming with a jazz group that's part of some plot or another. Check out his solo at the 2:30 mark.



For a more comprehensive look, see this short documentary produced for the JVC JazzFest in 2005.