Happy 80th Birthday Steve Miller!

Happy 80th Birthday, Steve Miller! As we honor this significant milestone, we’re also celebrating the profound musical legacy you’ve crafted over the years. From “Space Cowboy” and “The Joker” to “Fly Like an Eagle,” your iconic tunes have become anthems for generations. Your innovation, unparalleled musicianship, and commitment to the art have positioned you amongst the greats. Your connection to Les Paul, not just as his godson, but through mutual respect and shared passion for musical excellence, resonates with us all. Here at the Les Paul Foundation community, we cherish the innovative paths both of you have paved in the world of music. Here’s to many more years of strumming, singing, and inspiring. Keep On Rockin’, Steve!

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

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

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...

read more