A true pioneer of the electric Guitar: Les Paul was the first 'axe legend' & is often lost in the haitus of idolizing: Eric,Jimi & Jimmy. He popularized the sound of the electric guitar in the late 1940s-early1950s & had a string of huge 'hit parade' songs with country & western singer Mary Ford. In January 1948 whilst travelling in an Automobile with Mary Ford,his car skidded & fell 20 foot into a frozen creek.Les Paul's right elbow was shattered but surgeons were able to set his right arm permanently in 'strumming' position so he could play his guitars. I've listened to: 'How High The Moon' a few times now.It was a number one hit in 1951.That is incredibly ,3 years before 'Rock Around The Clock'.It may even be a contender for the first 'Rock 'n' Roll' record?. Les Paul is still around today & deserves the title of 'Living Father of the modern Electric Guitar' in the absence of 'Leo Fender' who died in 1991. -Mary Ford & Les Paul circa.1950.
Les was one of the pioneers of multiple recordings (what some call sound on sound) so he could not only play several instruments but Mary could harmonize with herself. He died last August at age 94. My favorite song of theirs is "I'm Confessing (that I love you)"
