Public gets chance to pay respects to Les Paul

MILWAUKEE -- Fifteen-year-old Adam Bollinger was among the first Les Paul fans to show up for the public's only chance to pay respects to the inventor and virtuoso whose solid-body electric guitar paved the way for rock 'n' roll.

Bollinger and his mom Coleen drove two and a half hours from their home in Plainfield, to attend Friday's viewing of Paul's casket at a science and technology museum.

Bollinger says he learned about Paul when he researched the history of the guitar and wanted to pay his respects.

Another visitor who arrived before the viewing began is Tim Glander, a former music teacher who is now a magician. Glander says there aren't geniuses like Paul in today's pop music culture.

Paul will be buried in a private ceremony following the four-hour public viewing.