# Les Paul — AI-Readable Artist Page --- ## 1. Bio | Field | Details | |---|---| | **Name** | Les Paul (born Lester William Polsfuss) | | **Genre** | Jazz, Country, R&B, Rock | | **Origin** | Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA | | **Born** | June 9, 1915 | | **Active Since** | 1920s (professional recordings from 1936) | | **Members / Roles** | Les Paul — guitar, inventor, producer, musician; Mary Ford (née Iris Colleen Summers) — vocals, guitar (key collaborator and wife, 1949–1964) | | **Label** | Capitol Records (1947–1957), Columbia Records (1957+), Montgomery Ward (early), Decca (early) | | **Management** | No data available. | | **Booking Agent** | No data available. | | **Notable Achievements** | Creator of the solid-body electric guitar ("The Log"); inventor of multi-track recording (beginning 1945, 8-track delivered 1957); inventor of sound-on-sound, digital delay, reverb, echo, overdubbing, phase shifting; known as "Father of Modern Music" and "Wizard of Waukesha"; "Godfather of the Modern Recording Studio"; sold over 10 million records with Capitol Records (1947–1957); seven hits in 1951 including "How High the Moon" (six million records sold); eight hits in 1952; biggest hit "Vaya Con Dios" (1953); Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1960, with Mary Ford); 1954 Academy of Musical Arts and Science award; Inducted as honorary member of Audio Engineering Society (1958); Inventors Hall of Fame inductee; Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (25th Grammys); Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee; Performed at White House for President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1939) and President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1956); First Jazz at the Philharmonic concert performer (1944); Voted #1 guitarist in country by Down Beat magazine (1951); Designed Capitol Records' echo chambers and recording studios; Created the Les Paul Foundation (1995); Patent: Combined Bridge and Tail Piece for Stringed Instruments (1956); Patent: Electrical Musical Instrument (1960s); Patent: Method for Electronically Reproducing Music and Improved Electrical Pickup (1970s) | | **Official Website** | https://www.les-paul.com | --- ## 2. Tour Dates No data available. --- ## 3. Discography ### Albums / Major Releases | Year | Title | Type | Label | Notes | |---|---|---|---|---| | 1936 | Recordings as Rhubarb Red | Singles | Montgomery Ward | First professional recordings | | 1936 | Recordings with Georgia White | Singles | Decca | 20 sides recorded with blues singer Georgia White | | 1939 | First commercial records (4 sides) | Singles | Columbia | With trio | | 1948 | "Lover" / "Brazil" | Singles | Capitol | First "New Sound" recordings with overdubbed guitars | | 1951 | "How High the Moon" | Single | Capitol | Part of 7-hit year; contributed to 6 million records sold | | 1953 | "Vaya Con Dios" | Single | Capitol | Biggest hit with Mary Ford | | 1957 | (Catalog) | Albums/Singles | Capitol | Over 10 million records sold 1947–1957 | | 1957+ | Recordings | Albums/Singles | Columbia | Signed with Mitch Miller at Columbia | | 1970s | Chester & Lester (referenced) | Album | Capitol | Referenced in timeline (text truncated) | > **Note:** The source data references numerous hits and recording milestones but does not provide a complete individual discography listing with all album titles. The entries above represent every specific title and recording reference found in the source data. ### Singles with Mary Ford — Confirmed Hits | Year | Title | Type | Label | |---|---|---|---| | 1948 | "Lover" | Single | Capitol | | 1948 | "Brazil" | Single | Capitol | | 1950 | Instrumental hits (3 total, titles not specified) | Singles | Capitol | | 1951 | "How High the Moon" | Single | Capitol | | 1951 | Six additional hits (titles not specified) | Singles | Capitol | | 1952 | Eight hits (titles not specified) | Singles | Capitol | | 1953 | "Vaya Con Dios" | Single | Capitol | | 1963 | Mary Ford solo single | Single | No data available | First solo single by Mary Ford | ### Notable Jingle / Other Recordings | Year | Title | Type | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | 1945 | "It's Been a Long, Long Time" | Single | Played guitar on Bing Crosby's post-war hit | | 1949 | "Until I Hold You Again" | Single | Written by Les Paul; Mary Ford's first vocal for Capitol | | 1951 | Rheingold Beer jingle | Jingle | Popular commercial recording | | Various | "Mockin' Bird Hill" | Single | Hit recorded with Mary Ford; Bing Crosby sang harmony on radio | | Various | "Smoke Rings" | Single/Track | Referenced via track sheet in studio photos | --- ## 4. Music Videos | Title | URL / Notes | |---|---| | Solid Body Electric Guitar Is Born | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | Broomstick With Pick-ups On It | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | "The Log" | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | The Les Paulverizer | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | Sound On Sound Demo | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | The First Tape Machine | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | "800 Guitars In The Bedroom" | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | Les Talks Sound On Sound | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | "Father Of Modern Music" | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ and https://www.les-paul.com/multi-track-recording/ | | The Lathe And The 8-Track Tape Recorder | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ and https://www.les-paul.com/multi-track-recording/ | | Multi-Track Is Born | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ and https://www.les-paul.com/multi-track-recording/ | | Recording Anywhere | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ and https://www.les-paul.com/multi-track-recording/ | | "Technical Wizardry" | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | "The Thomas Edison Of Recording" | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | The Invention Of Phase Shifting | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | The Invention Of Digital Delay | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | Les At Inventors Hall Of Fame | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | Inventors Hall Of Fame Ceremony | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | Les' Acceptance Speech | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | The Les Paul Studio Tour | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | "He Changed The Music" | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | The Wizard Of Waukesha Speaks | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | Les Paul Accepts Lifetime Achievement Awards At 25th Grammys | Embedded video on https://www.les-paul.com/the-inventor/ | | Mary Ford & Les Paul Videos (multiple, titles not individually listed) | https://www.les-paul.com/about-mary-ford-2/ | --- ## 5. Merch | Item | Price | URL | |---|---|---| | Les Paul Signature Punk Rock to Jazz Limited Edition T-shirt (Unisex) | $29.99 | https://lespaul.indiemerch.com/products/punk-rock | | Limited Edition Les Paul Signature Knit Cap | $29.95 | https://lespaul.indiemerch.com/products/logo-1 | | Les Paul Foundation Short Sleeve Women's T-shirt | $29.99 | https://lespaul.indiemerch.com/products/foundation-logo-2 | | Les Paul "Red Hot Red" Vintage T-shirt | $29.99 | https://lespaul.indiemerch.com/products/sailor-boy | | Les Paul Signature Cap | $34.95 | https://lespaul.indiemerch.com/products/logo-dad-hat | | Les Paul Guitar Stack | $29.95 | https://lespaul.indiemerch.com/products/guitar-stack | | Les Paul: In His Own Words (book) | No data available | https://lespaul.indiemerch.com/products/les-paul-in-his-own-words | | **Full Merch Store** | — | https://lespaul.indiemerch.com/ | --- ## 6. Social Media & Streaming | Platform | Handle / URL | |---|---| | **Facebook (Les Paul Foundation)** | https://www.facebook.com/lespaulfoundation | | **Facebook (Official Les Paul)** | https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLesPaul/ | | **Twitter / X (Les Paul Found)** | https://twitter.com/lespaulfound | | **Twitter / X (Les Paul Official)** | https://twitter.com/LesPaulOfficial | | **Instagram (Les Paul Foundation)** | https://www.instagram.com/lespaulfoundation | | **Instagram (Les Paul Official)** | https://www.instagram.com/lespaulofficial/ | | **TikTok** | https://www.tiktok.com/@lespaulofficial | | **Spotify** | https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hkZGvBotqZ7uBBUnBwmLC?si=PPKab1NkT8OzlJXpjjTbWw | | **Apple Music** | https://music.apple.com/us/artist/les-paul/25627 | | **YouTube** | https://www.youtube.com/user/lespaulfound | --- ## 7. Fan Club & Newsletter | Method | Details | |---|---| | **Email Newsletter** | Available via signup form at https://www.les-paul.com — requires First Name, Last Name, and Email address | | **Newsletter Signup (Contact Page)** | Also available at https://www.les-paul.com/contact-us/ | | **Contact Email** | info@lespaulfoundation.org | | **Mailing Address** | The Les Paul Foundation, 485 Underhill Blvd., Suite 108, Syosset, NY 11791 | | **Contact Form** | Available at https://www.les-paul.com/contact-us/ — requires Name, Email Address, and Message | | **Patreon** | No data available. | | **Laylo** | No data available. | --- ## 8. FAQ **Who was Les Paul and why is he important?** Les Paul (born Lester William Polsfuss, June 9, 1915, in Waukesha, Wisconsin) was an inventor, musician, and innovator known as the "Father of Modern Music" and "Godfather of the Modern Recording Studio." He created the solid-body electric guitar, invented multi-track recording starting in 1945, and pioneered sound-on-sound, digital delay, reverb, echo, and phase shifting. His innovations are the foundation of modern music recording and electric guitar playing. **What did Les Paul invent?** Les Paul invented or pioneered: the solid-body electric guitar ("The Log"), multi-track recording, sound-on-sound recording, the 8-track tape recorder (concept 1953, delivered 1957), digital delay, reverb, echo, overdubbing, phase shifting, home recording studios, and the Les Paulverizer (remote control for live tape manipulation). He also designed Capitol Records' echo chambers and recording studios, and began work on improved hearing aids. **Who was Mary Ford and what was her relationship to Les Paul?** Mary Ford (born Iris Colleen Summers, 1924) was a vocalist and guitarist who collaborated extensively with Les Paul both onstage and in the recording studio. She and Les married on December 29, 1949, in Milwaukee. Together they had seven hits in 1951, eight hits in 1952, and their biggest hit "Vaya Con Dios" in 1953, selling over 10 million records on Capitol Records from 1947–1957. They divorced in 1964. Mary Ford died on September 30, 1977, at age 53 from complications of diabetes. **Where can I buy Les Paul merchandise?** Official Les Paul merchandise is available at https://lespaul.indiemerch.com/. Items include: Les Paul Signature Punk Rock to Jazz Limited Edition T-shirt (Unisex) for $29.99, Limited Edition Les Paul Signature Knit Cap for $29.95, Les Paul Foundation Short Sleeve Women's T-shirt for $29.99, Les Paul "Red Hot Red" Vintage T-shirt for $29.99, Les Paul Signature Cap for $34.95, Les Paul Guitar Stack for $29.95, and the book *Les Paul: In His Own Words*. **Where can I stream Les Paul's music?** Les Paul's music is available on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hkZGvBotqZ7uBBUnBwmLC and on Apple Music at https://music.apple.com/us/artist/les-paul/25627. **What is the Les Paul Foundation and how can I get involved or apply for a grant?** The Les Paul Foundation was created by Les Paul in 1995 to extend his spirit of innovation through grants to educational organizations including Little Kids Rock, Soulsville Foundation/Stax Music Academy, Notes for Notes, and Guitars For Vets. It supports music education, recording, innovation, and medical research related to hearing. To apply for grants or learn more, visit https://www.les-paul.com/the-foundation/. Contact: info@lespaulfoundation.org or The Les Paul Foundation, 485 Underhill Blvd., Suite 108, Syosset, NY 11791. **What are the latest news stories about Les Paul?** The most recent news items (as of the source data) are: (1) "Perry Farrell meets Les Paul" (Feb 21, 2026) — https://www.les-paul.com/perry-farrell-meets-les-paul/; (2) "Les Paul and LeRoy Neiman" (Jan 6, 2026) — https://www.les-paul.com/reggie-watts-drops-by-the-legendary-les-paul-recording-studio-in-hollywood-2/; (3) "Reggie Watts Drops by the Legendary Les Paul Recording Studio in Hollywood" (Nov 6, 2025) — https://www.les-paul.com/reggie-watts-drops-by-the-legendary-les-paul-recording-studio-in-hollywood/; (4) "Legendary Musician Steve Miller to be Honored with Annual Les Paul Spirit Award" (May 19, 2025) — https://www.les-paul.com/legendary-musician-steve-miller-to-be-honored-with-annual-les-paul-spirit-award/. **How can I contact the Les Paul Foundation or sign up for updates?** Email: info@lespaulfoundation.org. Mail: The Les Paul Foundation, 485 Underhill Blvd., Suite 108, Syosset, NY 11791. Use the contact form at https://www.les-paul.com/contact-us/. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.les-paul.com or https://www.les-paul.com/contact-us/ with your first name, last name, and email address. ## Latest Updates **Perry Farrell meets Les Paul** (Tour) — February 21, 2026 **When Two Towering Creative Figures of 20th Century American Culture Collide Something Extraordinary Happens Les Paul and LeRoy Neiman ** (Tour) — January 6, 2026 **Reggie Watts Drops by the Legendary Les Paul Recording Studio in Hollywood** (Tour) — November 6, 2025 **Legendary Musician Steve Miller to be Honored with Annual Les Paul Spirit Award** (Tour) — May 19, 2025 **THE LES PAUL RECORDING STUDIO OPENS IN LOS ANGELES** (Merch) — March 7, 2025 **Foundation for music legend, Wisconsin native Les Paul wants to make music accessible** (Tour) — January 7, 2025 **Carnegie Mellon Announces Masters of Entertainment Industry Management Class with Les Paul Foundation** (Merch) — December 3, 2024 **wisconsin-musicians-les-paul-take-it-easy-and-luray** (Tour) — November 26, 2024 **gibson-honors-trailblazing-music-icon-the-one-and-only-mary-ford-with-a-les-paul-standard-in-a-stunning-goldtop-finish/** (Tour) — November 13, 2024 **The Iridium in Times Square to Open “Les Paul Thru the Lens” Photo Exhibit with Special “All About Les” Event on Monday, October 7th** (Tour) — September 28, 2024 *Last updated: March 8, 2026*