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Guitar Pioneer Les Paul

Paul shaped much of the sound of rock and roll. He invented the electric pickup, the device that made the electric guitar possible. He also pioneered the first multi-track recorder, and his innovations established the recording studio itself as a legitimate musical instrument. Gibson has sold guitars designed by Les Paul since the early 50s; vintage models are now worth thousands of dollars. Paul also had many top 40 hits in the 50s and his own TV show. There's a new boxed set of his music, called "Les Paul: The Legend and the Legacy."

27:56
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Other segments from the episode on January 1, 1993

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, January 1, 1993: Interview with Les Paul; Interview with John Cleese and Robin Skynner; Review of New and Used's album "Souvenir."
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13:17

A Depressed Comic Actor Learns How to Be Sad

Actor, writer, and Monthy Python member John Cleese suffered from depression and sought therapy from Robin Skynner. In 1983, the two released a co-written book called Families and How to Survive Them. They're collaborating on new book about mental health. Cleese also runs a video production company specializing in instructional films.

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21:53

Musician and Inventor Les Paul.

Musician and inventor Les Paul. Paul shaped much of the sound of rock and roll. He invented the electric pickup, the device that made the electric guitar possible, he made the first multi-track recorder, and his innovations established the recording studio itself as a legitimate musical instrument. Gibson has sold guitars designed by Les Paul since the early 50s, vintage models are now worth thousands of dollars. Paul also had many top 40 hits in the 50s and his own TV show.

Musician and inventor Les Paul

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