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July 9, 1915 brought the birth of one of the greatest jazz guitarists the world has ever known. 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 when he took up playing the harmonica at the age of 8. 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 Les to 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. Les was under contract with Gibson to be seen only with this guitar for public appearances, and photos. This colaboration was stopped in 1961 by Les when Gibson changed the guitar design without consulting him. A few years later Eric Clapton brought back the original Les Paul guitar and soon thereafter Les and Gibson reunited with Les at the helm of the designs of his guitars. These days, many early versions of the Les Paul are sought by players and collectors worldwide. The guitars were a big hit and to add to it all Les was also the key component in creating better pickups that guitar makers still use to compare against their new designs.

Les’s Life and Achievements

Les played in various venues from his teenage years and beyond. Les retired in the late 60's but he still gigs frequently in various small venues and he's well into his 90's. In 1948, Les was in an car accident and his elbow was broken and he had his doctor set his elbow in a position that he could still play guitar. In the late 40's Les married singer Mary Ford and they toured together. In 1964 Mary could no longer handle the busy life they led and they divorced. Les has received many awards over the years and both he and Mary Ford were 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.

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