American Music Masters: Les Paul
Les Paul, American Master
“Les Paul’s contribution to the history of rock and roll is beyond compare.”
- Terry Stewart, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum President and CEO
About the Artist
Les Paul was born Lester William Polfus in 1915 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He was introduced to music at an early age and began performing semi-professionally as a country-music guitarist at age 13.
Paul made his mark on the charts as a jazz-pop musician, scoring two #1 hits with “How High the Moon” (1951) and “Vaya Con Dios” (1953), both were duets with his then wife, Mary Ford. He earned the title “Father of the Electric Guitar,” for his pioneering work in the development of the solid body electric guitar. Today, the guitar that bears his name, the Gibson Les Paul, is recognized as an iconic symbol of rock and roll. It has been played by such rock legends as Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.
In 1956, Paul altered the musical landscape again, when he invented the first eight-track tape recorder. Modern music was changed forever.
Les Paul was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 in honor of his unparalleled contributions to the music world.
Resource Guide
Les Paul | Gibson's Les Paul Guitars | Guitar Resources
conTRIBUTE | Liner Notes
Les Paul
Books:
Robb Lawrence (2008)
A detailed account of Les Paul’s life leading up
to the production of his first collaboration with
Gibson featuring rare photos of prototypes
and the full line of Les Paul guitars.
Les Paul: an American Original
Mary Alice Shaughnessy (1993)
Chronicles Paul’s achievements as an inventor and musician and their toll on his marriage to singer Mary Ford.
DVD:
Les Paul Chasing Sound!
John Paulson and Janes Arntz (2007)
"I want to make sounds that have never been heard on Earth". Les Paul made this dream a reality with contributions to recording technology and the electric guitar. Footage from Django Reinhardt, Fred Waring, and Art Tatum with commentary from Paul Mc Cartney, Jeff Beck, Ahmet Ertegun, Bonnie Raitt, Tony Bennett, and Bucky Pizzarelli tell the story of this American master.
Websites:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum:Les Paul
Read his biography and find out why Mr. Paul earned a place in the Rock Hall!
All Music Guide: Les Paul
Get an overview of the "Wizard of Waukesha’s" career complete with discography, Billboard chart positions, and a list of his awards.
Discovery World at PierWisconsin
The online home of "Les Paul’s House of Sound" with photos and links to videos and news articles. On display through December 2008.
National Inventor’s Hall of Fame
Paul was inducted into The National Inventor’s Hall of Fame in 2005 for creating the modern solid body electric guitar. Get a brief biography and read about the impact Paul’s invention had on the music industry.
Les Paul CDs:
Chester & Lester
Chet Atkins and Les Paul (2007)
Two of the world’s best guitarists duet on standards such as "It’s Been a Long, Long, Time" and "Caravan".
Les Paul (1992)
This single disc abridged version of "The Legend and the Legacy" box set has many of Paul’s greatest recordings, including "How High the Moon" and "Tiger Rag".
The Columbia Singles Collection
Les Paul and Mary Ford (2001)
The most popular songs Paul recorded with ex-wife Mary Ford, such as "Goodnight Irene".
The Legend and the Legacy
Les Paul (1991)
Four disc set of Les Paul and Mary Ford’s best work on Capitol Records. Includes remarks from Paul about each track, including which guitar he played.
Les Paul & Friends: American made world played
Les Paul (2005)
This collaboration between Paul and some of the biggest names in rock earned him Grammys for the Best Pop and Best Rock instrumental performances in 2005.
Lovers’ Luau
Les Paul (1996)
In his first recording for Columbia, Paul jazzes up Hawaiian favorites "My Little Grass Shack" and "On the Beach at Waikiki".
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Gibson's Les Paul Guitars
Books:
Tony Bacon (2002)
Learn more about the Les Paul models and their
famous fans. A list of every Les Paul made from
1952-2002 is included.
The Gibson Les Paul Book
Tony Bacon and Paul Day (1993)
Tells the story of one of the world’s most popular lines of guitars with detailed color photos. Includes an appendix for identifying and dating all models.
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Million Dollar Les Paul:
In Search of the Most Valuable Guitar in the World
Tony Bacon (2008)
The story of how the Les Paul Standard, with its solid
mahogany body, sunburst maple top, and fantastic tone,
became one of the most sought after guitars in the world.
The Gibson Les Paul Handbook:
How to Buy, Maintain, Set up, Troubleshoot,
and Modify Your Les Paul
Paul Balmer (2008)
Learn how to select, tune, and perform basic repairs
on all models of Gibson Les Paul guitars.
Walter Carter (1994)
The illustrated chronicle of all things Gibson;
its founders, designers, products,
and famous players.
Web Site:
Gibson Guitars
Gibson mass marketed Les Paul’s solid body electric guitar. Visit the lifestyle section online lessons, downloads, and forums.
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Guitar Resources
Electric Guitars | Bass Guitar | Learn to Play
| Construction/Maintenance/Repair | History & Collecting
Electric Guitars
Books:
Tony Bacon (2000)
Color close ups of Gibsons and other brands complement
a thorough discussion of the electric guitar’s history
and a glossary of guitar terminology.
The Electric Guitar
Nick Freeth and Charles Alexander (1999)
Les Paul’s innovations have forever changed the electric guitar. Learn more about this fascinating instrument and its effect on popular music.
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George Gruhn and Walter Carter (1994)
Sections on Gibson guitars provide color photos
and descriptions of several Les Paul models.
Steve Waksman (1999)
Examines how the electric guitar’s development affected
music making and its overall impact on society.
A selective discography includes recordings
from Les Paul and other famous players.
Web Site:
How Stuff Works: The Electric Guitar
Watch an electric guitar being made, learn how it produces sound, and trace its history.
"Let me give you some good advice young man, you better learn to play guitar."
- from "Play Guitar"
by John Mellencamp
|
Learn to Play Guitar
Books:
Richard Chapman (1993)
Detailed illustrations teach tuning, basic and advanced chords, scales and rhythm. Includes a chord finder and index. Foreword by Les Paul.
Rod Fogg (2008)
Get off on the right foot with this basic guide covering posture,hand positions, reading music and tabs, and playing in a variety of styles.
Rich Maloof (2008)
Guidebook for intermediate and advanced players who
want to work on alternate picking, thrash chords,
whammy bar, and, of course, shredding!
Includes play along CD.
Nick Vecchio (2004)
Introduces concepts such as buying and caring for the guitar, reading music, scales and chords to beginning guitarists. Includes play along DVD.
Bass Guitar
Paul Scott (2008)
Find out how to choose and care for your bass,
read music, and understand scales and modes.
Includes a play along CD.
Ryan Williams (2007)
Plentiful illustrations and concise text show you everything you
need to know to get started playing bass,from its parts and
how to hold it, to plucking, picking, playing chords, laying down
a solid bass line, and keeping your instrument in tip top shape.
DVDs:
(2003)
This five volume set will teach you everything you need to know to become a guitar guru, from scales and strumming patterns to changing keys and modes. Each volume includes a CD of practice songs.
Pete Huttlinger (2003)
Follow veteran teacher Pete Huttlinger in these simple exercises to increase speed, build solid rhythms, and develop coordination.
Adam Makofske (2006)
Part of the Fun-to-Know series, this lesson focuses on basic chords and scales.
Play Rock Guitar:
Beginning Chords, Strums and Riffs
Alex Nolan (2006)
Learn basic rock guitar devices, including open,
barre and power chords, hits and stabs, and
open pedal string pedal chords to create
an awesome sound.
Guitar Construction, Maintenance, & Repair
Books:
Donald Brosnac (1977)
The easy to follow diagrams and directions in this take-along size book will help you develop your ear, keep your guitar in tune, and fix common problems.
Dave Burrluck (1998)
Color photographs complement straightforward
instructions that will teach you to make minor
repairs and improvements to your electric guitar.
Includes an index and glossary.
Guitar Player Repair Guide:
How to Set up, Maintain, and Repair Electrics and Acoustics
Dan Erlewine (1994)
Illustrated manual of common repairs with a directory
of lutherie suppliers and a reading list.
Richie Fliegler (1994)
Advice on how to set up your guitar, bias your amp,
and keep both in working order.
Mel Bay Presents
John Levan (2006)
Chapters devoted to tools, general maintenance, adjustments,
intonation, fretwork, wiring, and the top 10 signs of a problematic
guitar will help you keep your guitar in good repair.
Includes photographs, diagrams, and a glossary.
Martin Oakham (2006)
Make your very own custom electric guitar
with these clear and concise instructions
enhanced by color photographs and diagrams
for each step.
Alan Ratcliffe (2008)
Learn how to modify your guitar and choose the right parts for your model. Includes pickup color codes, schematics, and a list of suppliers.
Guitar History & Collecting
Books:
Tony Bacon, editor (1996)
Chapters by a variety of experts accompany
color photographs highlight the manufacturers
and models of the guitar’s golden age.
Alan Greenwood
Published annually, this guide provides manufacturer information and prices for most makes and models of guitars, amps, and effects.
Darcy Kuronen (2000)
Pictorial chronicle of 400 years of unique,
beautifully crafted guitars
Robert Shaw (1997)
Color photographs provide examples of rare and
unusual guitars, including an early Gibson Flying V.
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conTRIBUTE
Our library, the Rock & Roill Hall of Fame and Museum,
The Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities at Case Western Reserve University,
and Gibson Guitar invite you to join them in honoring American Music Master, Les Paul.
Vist our conTRIBUTE website and submit your own video, image, or text tribute to
Les Paul. Submissions to conTRIBUTE will be permanently housed in the Rock Hall's Library
and Archives, scheduled to open to the public in 2010.
LINER NOTES
About the American Music Masters® series
The American Music Masters® series, a co-production of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities at Case Western Reserve University, celebrates the lives and careers of artists who changed the shape and sound of American culture. Each year, the series explores the legacy of one of those pioneering figures in a range of events that includes Museum exhibits, lectures, films, a major conference and a tribute concert benefitting the Rock Hall’s Education Department. Drawing together experts, artists, fans and friends, these events aim to provide new perspectives on some of the most beloved and influential musicians of the past century.
About the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission both through its operation of a world-class museum that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form and through its library and archives as well as its educational programs.
About The Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities at Case Western Reserve University
Established in 1996 with a generous gift of endowment from Eric and Jane Nord, the Baker-Nord Center is dedicated to: highlighting and celebrating the arts and humanities, supporting research and creative work in the humanities and arts through fellowships, grants, and symposia; encouraging new and innovative directions in research and creativity, including the digital humanities, through public forums and open discussion; facilitating cross-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary collaborations among Case Western Reserve University faculty and members of other University Circle institutions that address questions and problems of broad human interest, in and out of the academy.
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