A giant in American Music ...  Les Paul ! "Les Paul's career spans schoolboy  performances in Wisconsin, Midwest tours as a country picker Rhubarb Red,  jazz gigs with Jazz at the Philharmonic, and pop star status with '50s partner Mary Ford. Throughout his career Les has shown a genus for what ever undertaking he has chosen.  Les Paul received a James Smithson Bicentennial Medal for his achievements in guitar and sound design."
Richard Johnston,  Guitar Player Magazine