Who Gets to Own Rock & Roll History?

Les Paul’s Mahwah, New Jersey, home, where he developed influential recording techniques and guitar designs, was sold and demolished, prompting anger from family members and friends who wanted it preserved. The dispute raises questions about who should control culturally significant places and how a musician’s legacy should be protected.

Paul’s son Gene says he was devastated by the demolition and criticises the Les Paul Foundation, led by former manager Michael Braunstein, for its handling of the property; the foundation did not respond to questions. The house sold for $990,000 after 19 days on the market, but the mayor says it had fallen into severe disrepair, including a damaged roof and flooding. Probate lawyers who reviewed Paul’s 1995 will say the foundation had authority over the property, while acknowledging that its deterioration may reflect poorly on its stewardship.