Happy Birthday Les Paul!

Happy birthday, Les Paul! Today, we honor and celebrate the incredible legacy you have left behind. Your pioneering spirit and revolutionary contributions to the world of music have forever shaped its landscape. Your mastery of the electric guitar and innovative recording techniques have inspired countless musicians and continue to captivate audiences to this day. On your special day, we express our gratitude for the timeless melodies and unforgettable performances that have become the soundtrack of our lives. Thank you for the gift of your extraordinary talent. May this birthday be filled with joy, love, and the knowledge that your impact on music will be cherished for generations to come.

Mary Ford – Trailblazer

Mary Ford’s impeccable voice, masterful guitar playing, and hit-making collaborations onstage and in the recording studio with husband, Les Paul, made musical history.

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

Foundation for music legend, Wisconsin native Les Paul wants to make music accessible

Waukesha native Les Paul wanted his foundation after he died to help make music more accessible. Photo courtesy of the Les Paul Foundation Long before Les Paul won Grammy awards and entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he was growing up in Waukesha and...

Carnegie Mellon Announces Masters of Entertainment Industry Management Class with Les Paul Foundation

For Immediate Release: Carnegie Mellon Announces Masters of Entertainment Industry Management Class with Les Paul Foundation Students Will Have Hands-On Experience with Les Paul’s Original Recording Equipment Los Angeles, California – December 3, 2024 - Carnegie...

wisconsin-musicians-les-paul-take-it-easy-and-luray

Wisconsin musicians: Les Paul, Take It Easy and Luray Air Date: Nov 21 2024 Heard On The Larry Meiller Show Public Domain First, we talk about music legend Les Paul, who was born in Waukesha. Sue Baker joins us from The Les Paul Foundation. Then, we’re joined...