Les Paul died today. June 9, 1915 – August 13, 2009.

The man was an innovator, inventor, brilliant jazz guitarist, and an all-around nice guy. If it weren’t for him, it’s likely we wouldn’t have multi-track recording. Think about that for a minute.

This man was so hardcore that after an automobile accident in 1948 he decided to have his arm set permanently at a right angle rather than having it amputated so that he could continue to play guitar.

(CNN) — Les Paul, whose innovations with the electric guitar and studio technology made him one of the most important figures in recorded music, has died, according to a statement from his publicists. Paul was 94.

Paul died in White Plains, New York, from complications of severe pneumonia, according to the statement.

Paul was a guitar and electronics mastermind whose creations — such as multitrack recording, tape delay and the solid-body guitar that bears his name, the Gibson Les Paul — helped give rise to modern popular music, including rock ‘n’ roll. No slouch on the guitar himself, he continued playing at clubs into his 90s despite being hampered by arthritis.

He was an icon, and he will be missed.