(August 14, 2009)--Keith Urban says he has a "mix of emotions" about the death of Les Paul.

On one hand, he says he's "deeply saddened at Les Paul's passing, and on the other a feeling of incredible gratitude and awe for his unquantifiable contribution to the world of music."

Urban said Les Paul's "name adorns so many of the creations" that he uses to "communicate through every night out here on the road."

He's talking about the Les Paul guitar.

Urban also says Paul is "very present" every time he sets "foot in the studio and am able to lay multiple tracks" for a recording, like when he uses echo, which is another of Les Paul's inventions.

Keith Urban adds even though Paul was in his 90s, "the fact he was still playing every Monday night in New York is perhaps the most beautiful and inspiring achievement of all.”