It took 20 years but Les Paul, who was born 111 years ago on June 9, 1915, forever changed music with his invention.
The Les Paul House of Sound
Multiple key guitars from Les Paul’s collection are in The Les Paul House of Sound. Hands-on activities guide visitors to explore the science of sound.
Despite Challenges, Les Paul Persevered
Les Paul persisted to refine the design for a solid body electric guitar, create multiple gold records, invent today’s recording techniques, be inducted into multiple halls of fame, and play his guitar until two months before he died at 94 years old in August 2009.
New Sounds, Thanks to Les Paul
The inventor of today’s recording techniques—with multiple ways to manipulate sound—would have been 109 this June 9. That would be Les Paul, the man whose signature is blazoned on the famous Gibson guitar.
Les Paul Was Dedicated to Veterans
Like most men during World War II, Les Paul was drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces, where he held three positions in the Armed Forces Radio Service.
High-Energy Les Paul Took to the Road to Perform
Les Paul was born on June 9, 1915, and each June we celebrate this legendary artist who did so much to change the face of music, and to express our gratitude to the Les Paul Foundation for their support of the Emerging Research Grants program.
The Enduring Legacy of Les Paul in Music and Science
Since 2014 the Les Paul Foundation has funded six Emerging Research Grants on tinnitus, deepening our understanding of its causes as well as improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
How Les Paul’s Mother Nurtured Him to Change the Music Industry
Even when Les Paul was a preschooler, his mother Evelyn recognized his talent. She would arrange for her young son to perform for local fraternal organizations. Les was so tiny that they placed him on top of a table where he would sing, dance, and tell funny stories.
From a $3.95 Guitar to the Solid Body Electric Guitar: How Les Paul’s Persistence Changed the World of Music
Music legend Les Paul is famous for inventing the solid body electric guitar and other innovations related to recording music. Less known is that he also had a hearing loss and wore hearing aids in both ears.
The Man Who Chased Sound Wore Hearing Aids
Legendary musician Les Paul spent his whole life looking for the perfect sound. Ironically, for a good portion of his life he had to pursue his passion for sound while wearing hearing aids.