In this episode, Mike explores the career and music of Wisconsin's own Les Paul, legendary guitarist and inventor. In addition to having an impact on the industry through his musicianship, he also greatly influenced physical guitar models and recording techniques through his own inventions and explorations. Whether you are listening to his early jazz trio, his collaborations with Mary Ford or Chet Atkins, or his country roots, Les Paul's personality and love for his instrument always shines through. Learn more about Les Paul’s life and legacy at https://www.les-paul.com/
Watch the Les Paul Trio perform “Dark Eyes”
Here's Les and Mary performing “How High the Moon”
Check out Les Paul & Chet Atkins performing on the Today Show in 1978. Watch until the end to see Chet’s foldable guitar and hear the two joke about their rival guitar models, Gibson vs Gretsch.
Here is a transcript of this episode. Listen to the songs featured in the episode on Spotify.
Les Paul & "The Log"
Song List:
“Lady of Spain;” Performed by Les Paul; Written by Tolchard Evans, Henry Tilsley, Robert J. Hargreaves, Stanley J. Damerell; Capitol Records, 1951
“Black Rider;” Performed by Georgia White; Written by Richard M. Jones; Decca Records, 1937
“Dark Eyes;” Performed by Les Paul and His Trio; Written by Florian Hermann; Decca Records, 1944
“It’s Been a Long, Long Time;” Performed by Bing Crosby with Les Paul And HIs Trio; Written by Jule Styne & Sammy Cahn; Decca Records, 1945
“Lover;” Performed by Les Paul; Written by Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart; Capitol Records, 1948
“Tennessee Waltz;” Performed by Les Paul & Mary Ford; Written by Redd Stewart & Pee Wee King; Capitol Records, 1951
“How High the Moon;” Performed by Les Paul & Mary Ford; Written by Morgan Lewis & Nancy Hamilton; Capitol Records, 1951
“Just One More Chance;” Performed by Les Paul & Mary Ford; Written by Arthur Johnston & Sam Coslow; Capitol Records, 1951
“Vaya Con Dios;” Performed by Les Paul & Mary Ford; Written by Larry Russell, Inez James, & Buddy Pepper; Capitol Records, 1953
“Lover Come Back to Me;” Performed by Chet Atkins & Les Paul; Written by Sigmund Romber & Oscar Hammerstein II; RCA Victor, 1976
“I’m Your Greatest Fam;” Performed by Chet Atkins & Les Paul; Written by Bob Ferguson & Chet Atkins; RCA Victor, 1978
Leave a Reply