Today marks the passing of music legend and guitar great Les Paul, and as the world reflects and honors his life and music, Brad Paisley offered this statement: “Let us celebrate the era of Les Paul today, and the world of sound we get to experience thanks to him. What a legacy, what a life.” Citing the lyrics to “How High the Moon,” a 1951 number-one hit for Les and his then-wife Mary Ford, Brad offers, “‘Somewhere there’s music…how high the moon…’ Because of Les, everywhere there’s music.”

Brad’s mostly instrumental 2008 album, Play, included the song “Les Is More,” a musical salute to Les and his style and influence. In comments offered at the time, Brad talked about the song and about Les Paul as a towering contributor to the world of music. (AUDIO INFO BELOW)

  Brad Paisley talks about guitar great Les Paul, who inspired the song “Les Is More” on Brad’s Play album. (:21)
“Les Paul was a guy who had enormous popular acclaim, as well as being a huge instrumental force and genius at his time, you know? And anyway, I really…I loved his stuff, so yeah, I give a nod to him there. It’s a fun thing to be playing that style of swing music.”

  Brad Paisley reflects on the influence of Les Paul and fellow guitarist Chet Atkins. (:31)
“We’re lucky that the records still exists between Chet and Les’ collaborations. And a lot of these guys…what I loved about that time period in music was, it was not so much competition as it was just they all sort of worked together. I mean, you know, Chet and Les, you’ve got to think at some point were a little bit of a rivalry or competition for one another to some degree, but all of a sudden they would do an album together. Next thing you know, there, you know, there’s Chester & Lester album, which is one of the works of art of country instrumental stuff.”