A Jazz Guitar Legend Is Born

http://gibsonlespaulelectricguitar.com

July 9, 1915 brought the birth of one of the greatest jazz guitarists and inventors the world has ever seen. This was the day guitarist and inventor Les Paul was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Little did his parents know how their little baby would change the guitar world with the Gibson Les Paul electric guitar. Les began showing signs of musical interest and talent at the age of 8 when he took up playing the harmonica. In his teenage years he tried his hand at the banjo but instead chose the guitar as his instrument to master. Les succeeded in mastering the guitar and went on to revolutionalize not only guitar designs and recording techniques but the face of Rock and Roll.

Les and Gibson Unite

Les became frustrated with the guitar designs of the 30’s and began working on his own design. In '41 he designed one of the first solid body electric guitars and it was given the nick-name of "The Log". This design was recreated by Gibson in the early 50's when they introduced the Les Paul as their new guitar design. Les signed a contract with the Gibson Corporation to play this guitar exclusively and that began the era of the Gibson Les Paul electric guitar.

Later this guitar became known as the “Les Paul” sold only in the “Goldtop” version at that time and is highly collectible today. Gibson had Les under contract and he was to be seen using a Les Paul in all public appearances, and photos. This contract lasted through 1961 when Gibson changed the guitar design without consulting with Les so he ended the union with Gibson. Shortly after this, Eric Clapton popularized the original Les Paul guitar and soon Les and Gibson reunited with Les at the helm of the designs of his guitars. Today, early model Les Pauls are desirable to guitar players and collectors around the world. The guitars were a big hit and, to add to it all, Les created better pickups that guitar makers still use.

Les’s Life and Achievements

Les played in various venues from his teenage years and beyond. Les semi-retired in the late 60's but still performs regularily in various small venues and he's well into his 90's. In 1948, Les was in an car crash where his elbow was broken and he had his doctor set it in a position that he could still play guitar. In the late 40's Les Paul was married to singer Mary Ford and they toured the country together. In 1964, Mary decided she could no longer handle all the touring and they divorced. Les has been recognized and rewarded many times over the years and he and Mary Ford were both inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Les is a highly respected musician all over the world and his technical advances in the guitar world will live forever.