Happy Birthday Les Paul!
The Inventor
Acclaimed as the “Father of Modern Music”, Les Paul is known for numerous inventions that changed both the individual lives of musicians and the mechanics of the music industry in the twentieth century. His influence is still profound, having been a pioneer in the development of the solid-body electric guitar as well as numerous techniques including multi-track recording, digital delay, reverb, and more.
The Musician
Les Paul’s technological wizardry and inventions transformed the music industry. His legacy as a consummate musician has had a global impact on countless artists from Paul McCartney, Eddie Van Halen, and Slash to Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, and Chet Atkins. Les’ musical technique and virtuosic playing extended across all genres including jazz, country, R&B, and Rock. His multi-generational influence and contributions speak to his status as a legendary artist.
Education
Les Paul created the Les Paul Foundation in 1995 to extend his spirit of innovation through grants to educational organizations and institutions including, Little Kids Rock, Soulsville Foundation/Stax Music Academy, Notes for Notes, Guitars For Vets, and many others.
The Foundation
The Les Paul Foundation inspires innovative and creative thinking by sharing the legacy of Les Paul through support of music education, recording, innovation and medical research related to hearing. It’s also a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the Wizard of Waukesha. Click here to see the list of our grantees and to apply for grants.
Latest News
Perry Farrell meets Les Paul
Perry Farrell (Jane's Addiction, Porno for Pyros) umarmte vor Kurzem bei einem Besuch des legendären Les Paul Recording Studios in Los Angeles das liebevoll restaurierte, maßangefertigte 8-Kanal-Mischpult, bekannt als das "Monster". In dem Gerät liegt der Ursprung der...
When Two Towering Creative Figures of 20th Century American Culture Collide Something Extraordinary Happens Les Paul and LeRoy Neiman
When Two Towering Creative Figures of 20th Century American Culture Collide Something Extraordinary Happens Les Paul and LeRoy Neiman New York, New York – January 6, 2026 - It was December 1st, 1997. The place was the basement of the Empire Hotel across...
Reggie Watts Drops by the Legendary Les Paul Recording Studio in Hollywood
Reggie Watts Drops by the Legendary Les Paul Recording Studio in Hollywood Musician, comedian, and all-around sonic wizard Reggie Watts recently paid a visit to one of music’s most sacred spaces—the Les Paul Recording Studio in Hollywood. Watts,...