Brief
Les Paul’s Mahwah home demolished, sparking family‑foundation feud
Family members blame the Les Paul Foundation for the demolition of the guitarist’s New Jersey home, while a potential preservation buyer had previously shown interest.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Les Paul’s former residence in Mahwah, New Jersey – the site where the guitar pioneer developed multitrack recording and his signature electric guitars – was demolished, Rolling Stone reported on Oct. 17, 2026. Gene Paul, the musician’s son, said he learned of the demolition from his sister’s August phone call and described the loss as "devastating" on Facebook.
What happened
The two‑story house, which Les Paul occupied from 1952 until his death in 2009, was torn down earlier this month. Gene Paul recalled seeing photos of the demolition online and reading comments questioning how the destruction could have occurred. The property had remained in the family after Les Paul’s death, with his girlfriend staying there per his request.
What the report adds
Rolling Stone notes that the family and friends have directed blame at the Les Paul Foundation, which is led by Michael Braunstein, Les Paul’s former manager. The outlet says the family accuses Braunstein of selling the property for profit, though it also mentions a lack of communication between the foundation and the family as a complicating factor. Additionally, the article references an earlier, unfinalized offer from a wealthy benefactor who wanted to preserve the house, but does not state whether that offer was ever formally accepted.
What was said
Gene Paul told Rolling Stone, "It was devastating," and added that online comments asked, "How could you possibly have let this happen?" He also reflected on his childhood in the house, recalling helping his father wind pickups and navigating the surrounding property’s rattlesnakes.
How it came about
After Les Paul’s 2009 death from pneumonia complications, the house remained under the stewardship of the Les Paul Foundation. According to the article, tensions between the foundation’s leadership and the family grew over the years, especially regarding communication after the guitarist’s passing. The demolition follows a period of dispute, during which the family publicly criticized the foundation’s handling of the property.
Key facts
- Les Paul’s Mahwah house was demolished in October 2026. (rollingstone.com)
- Gene Paul described the demolition as "devastating" on Facebook. (rollingstone.com)
- The family blames the Les Paul Foundation, led by Michael Braunstein, for the demolition. (rollingstone.com)
- A wealthy benefactor had previously offered to buy the property to preserve it. (rollingstone.com)
- Les Paul lived in the house from 1952 until his death in 2009. (rollingstone.com)
Sources
- [1] rollingstone.com — originally reported as “Who Gets to Own Rock & Roll History?”
