In early May, I launched Play It Sunday. Inspiration has since led me to discover more about every maker I feature - Alesis, Korg, Epiphone, and now Les Paul.
Les Paul (born Lester William Polsfuss in 1915) was an American jazz, country, and blues guitarist. Les Paul was also an inventor and luthier - a French term meaning one who builds or repairs stringed instruments. The Gibson Les Paul was profoundly influenced by Les Paul (as was the Epiphone Les Paul at a more reasonable price).
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Point of intrigue -
Les Paul was self-taught.
Paul's early life and career are quite extensive and could easily go on for some time, so in this post I will let Wikipedia speak on my behalf.
With that said, this post will honor Les Paul and his contributions to the music industry.
Upon learning of Les Paul's passing in 2009, sentimental reflections were given by Slash, Richie Sambora, and The Edge (lead guitarist, keyboardist, and backing vocals for U2).
Les Paul's Honors -
In 1960, Les Paul and wife, Mary Ford, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 1976, he won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental...In 2005, he won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental and Best Rock Instrumental.
In 1983, Les Paul received a Grammy Trustees Award for lifetime achievement.
In 1988, Les Paul was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1990, he was inducted into the Big Band & Jazz Hall of Fame.
In 1996, he was inducted into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame.
In 2004, Les Paul received an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in Engineering.
In 2005, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his creation of the solid-body electric guitar.
In 2005, he was inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In 2007, Les Paul was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush.
In 2008, Les Paul received the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's American Music Masters Award.
In 2009, Time magazine named Les Paul one of the top ten electric guitarists of all time.
In 2010, he was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
In 2011, Rolling Stone magazine named Les Paul the 18th greatest guitarist of all time.
"How High the Moon" and "Vaya Con Dios" - entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame
My take away -
Les Paul truly is an inspiration to professional musicians and those aspiring to someday be the next Les Paul.
