Where would we be without the late, great Les Paul?

Many people have been influential in rock, but the namesake of the popular Gibson guitar model truly is a cut above them all. Not only is he a pioneer in the realm of guitar manufacturing, but he’s also known for being one of the first to experiment with then-new recording techniques, like overdubbing and multi-track recording. The scope of his impact on music, frankly, is overwhelming.

In honor of what would have been his 108th birthday, enjoy the photos below of Les Paul throughout his life!

• GALLERY: Tribute To Les Paul

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  American musician and inventor Les Paul (1915 - 2009) and his wife Mary Ford (1924 - 1977) demonstrate two of Paul's new electric guitars during a press reception at the Savoy Hotel in London, 9th September 1952.

• GALLERY: Tribute To Les Paul

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  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 19: Reverend Run (L), of hip hop group Run DMC, and guitar designer Les Paul attend a celebration of the 125th Anniversary Thomas Edison's patent on the phonograph at the French Institute Alliance Francaise on February 19, 2003 in New York City. The event was presented by the Grammy Foundation's Music on Film Preservation Project in partnership with the Edison Preservation Foundation, and sponsored by Con Edison.

• GALLERY: Tribute To Les Paul

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  Legendary guitarist Les Paul, right, and guitarist Slash arrive to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Les Paul guitar August 13, 2001 at the grand opening of the new Iridium Jazz Club in New York City.
• GALLERY: Tribute To Les Paul

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  NEW YORK - MAY 31: Musicians Joan Jett and Les Paul attend Icons of Music II Auction at The Hard Rock Cafe New York on May 31, 2008 in New York City.

• GALLERY: Tribute To Les Paul

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  9th September 1952: American entertainers guitarist Les Paul and his wife, singer Mary Ford, arrive at Waterloo, London, on the Queen Elizaeth boat train. The musical stars are due to appear at the London Palladium.

• GALLERY: Tribute To Les Paul

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  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 21: Singer/actor Isaac Hayes (R) and musician Les Paul arrive to the 13th Annual MusiCares Person Of The Year tribute at the Marriott Marquis February 21, 2003 in New York City.
• GALLERY: Tribute To Les Paul

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  NEW YORK - JUNE 09: Guitarist Les Paul arrives at the 2005 Songwriters Hall Of Fame induction ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel June 09, 2005 in New York City.

• GALLERY: Tribute To Les Paul

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  16th September 1952: Popular guitarist Les Paul serenades his wife and singing partner Mary Ford (1928 - 1977).

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