ccJot by Michael Rickey

I heard that Les Paul died today.  I didn’t know him, I’m not a musician, so his passing doesn’t personnaly touch me.  But, I read a CNN article about him, then a couple others, looked at some videos, talked to some people.  Now I’m sad.

Les Paul was a great guy.  He was born in 1915, in the ’30s and ’40s he played with several bands and big bands including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and the Andrews Sisters.  He had his own trio and even recorded several large hits with his wife Mary Ford.

He playing style was a mix of things he’d learned from others and his own creations.  He credited others for most of his accomplishments.

What he’s most well known for today is, of course, guitars.  In the early 1940′s he created the electric guitar and changed the world of music.  He’s also responsible for multi-track recording and the idea of playing one track while recording another.  This allows a guitarist or a singer to harmonize with themselves.

Musician and inventor, Les Paul knew the industry and created new, revolutionary, tools to further it.  Beyond that, he was a kind and caring man.  The kind of guy you want to model your life after.

According to Paul Gibson, “He would walk into a room and put a smile on anyone’s face. His musical charm was extraordinary and his techniques unmatched anywhere in the world.”

So, I ask you, what are you passionate about?  What truly touches your soul?  How many of your waking hours do you spend with that passion?

Reading about this man, Les Paul, it makes me think about it.  Today, I tell people that I’m a programmer, or a life coach.  Are these what I’m truly passionate about?  Life coaching probably more than programming, photography is in there somewhere.

I guess for me, it’s about people.  I like touching people’s lives.  When I was going through the Landmark Forum and it’s various follow-on courses, I mentored others.  To see the look on someone’s face when and idea clicks, a distinction that gives them freedom from a burden that’s been haunting them, that’s what does it for me.  That’s why I got into Life Coaching.

I’ve been following photographer Dewitt Jones for a long time.  Photography is a passion for him, but he approaches it like a hobby or a game.  His latest thing is to shoot with his iPhone.  He’s having a great time.  Where does he make his money? Public speaking, sometimes about photography, sometimes motivational.  He uses his photographs in his presentations and has trememdous success.  It all stems from his passion.

Until recently, Les Paul had a standing gig at New York’s Iridium Jazz Club where he’d play with anyone that would have him.  Les Paul died at 94.

What’s your passion?  What will keep a smile on your face until the day you die?