Les Paul's Childhood Home Demolished, Family Devastated

The Mahwah, New Jersey residence of electric-guitar pioneer Les Paul, a site of significant musical innovation, has been demolished. Les Paul lived in the home from 1952 until his passing in 2009. During his time there, he developed multitrack recording and refined his electric guitar designs.

Family members, including Gene Paul, Les Paul's son, have expressed profound distress over the demolition, labeling it "cultural vandalism." Gene Paul recounted memories of assisting his father in his studio and working on guitar pickups within the home's unique structure.

Controversy surrounds the demolition, with accusations directed at the Les Paul Foundation and its former manager, Michael Braunstein, for allegedly selling the property out of greed. This situation has been exacerbated by a perceived lack of communication between the family and the foundation.

Mayor James Wysocki noted the severe deterioration of the house, citing roof damage and a general state of disrepair even during Les Paul's later years. The property sold for $990,000 in July after being on the market for 19 days.

Legal experts suggest the foundation acted within its rights according to Les Paul's 1995 will. However, they also noted the emotional impact and the negative appearance of allowing the property to decay before sale.

The new owners plan to renovate and preserve acoustic echo chambers in the basement and incorporate salvaged wood into the new construction, potentially creating a memorabilia room.