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Les Paul performs at Opening of His Own Exhibit at Rock Hall of Fame
Press Release
2004-03-12

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Five-time Grammy winner Les Paul showcased his legendary chops when he and his band performed for the opening of the new exhibit, "The New Sound: Les Paul and the Electric Guitar" at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Friday, March 5 in Cleveland. The exhibit is part of part of a permanent exhibit called "The Architects of Rock and Roll" on the second floor of the Museum.

Known as the "Wizard of Waukesha" (Wisconsin), Les is the world's most famous guitarist and has been the leading proponent of the solidbody electric guitar since he built his own in 1941. He joined forces with Gibson to create the Gibson Les Paul model in 1952, and his endorsement agreement with Gibson eventually became the most successful in the history of musical instruments. The distinctive, trademarked Gibson Les Paul body shape is now recognized around the world as an icon for rock and roll music.

Paul, 89, played classics including "Sleep," "All of Me" and "The Tennessee Waltz," which he recorded with his singing partner/former wife Mary Ford. As an innovative jazz-pop player, Paul recorded No. 1 hits including "How High the Moon" and "Vaya Con Dios" with Ford.

"The Log," Paul's 1941 electric solidbody, is on display at the Museum, as well as other artifacts including "The Clunker," the Epiphone guitar that Paul customized and played on many of his hits. The first Gibson Les Paul from 1952 is also part of the exhibit. Paul was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.