The Birth of a Guitar Legend
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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 that Lester William Polfuss, who we know as guitarist and inventor Les Paul, was born. 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 Les started out on the banjo but switched to the guitar as his instrument to master. He certainly succeeded in mastering the guitar and went on to revolutionalize not only guitar design 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. Gibson had Les was under contract and he was to be seen with only a Les Paul in all public appearances and photographs. 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. Today, many early model Les Pauls are sought by guitar players and collectors from around the world. 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. Although he retired in the late 60's, Les still gigs frequently in various small venues. 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 was married to vocalist Mary Ford and the went on tour together. By 1964 Mary could no longer handle the busy life of touring and they divorced. Les has been recognized and rewarded over the years and he and Mary 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.