Honoring Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton was more than a country music icon, she was a force for generosity, using her voice and her platform to lift up children, literacy, and the next generation of musicians. Her songwriting gave the world some of its most enduring melodies, and her heart gave so many a reason to believe in kindness. The Les Paul Foundation joins the world in mourning her passing and celebrating a life devoted to music and giving.
Mary Ford – Trailblazer
Mary Ford’s impeccable voice, masterful guitar playing, and hit-making collaborations onstage and in the recording studio with husband, Les Paul, made musical history.
The Inventor
Acclaimed as the “Father of Modern Music”, Les Paul is known for numerous inventions that changed both the individual lives of musicians and the mechanics of the music industry in the twentieth century. His influence is still profound, having been a pioneer in the development of the solid-body electric guitar as well as numerous techniques including multi-track recording, digital delay, reverb, and more.
The Musician
Les Paul’s technological wizardry and inventions transformed the music industry. His legacy as a consummate musician has had a global impact on countless artists from Paul McCartney, Eddie Van Halen, and Slash to Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, and Chet Atkins. Les’ musical technique and virtuosic playing extended across all genres including jazz, country, R&B, and Rock. His multi-generational influence and contributions speak to his status as a legendary artist.
Education
Les Paul created the Les Paul Foundation in 1995 to extend his spirit of innovation through grants to educational organizations and institutions including, Little Kids Rock, Soulsville Foundation/Stax Music Academy, Notes for Notes, Guitars For Vets, and many others.
The Foundation
The Les Paul Foundation inspires innovative and creative thinking by sharing the legacy of Les Paul through support of music education, recording, innovation and medical research related to hearing. It’s also a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the Wizard of Waukesha. Click here to see the list of our grantees and to apply for grants.
Latest News
Michael Braunstein, Executive Director of the Les Paul Foundation attends a Celebration of Music with Chad Smith & Friends
Cultural Arts Playhouse - Syosset, New York.Michael Braunstein, Executive Director of the Les Paul Foundation (l) attends a Celebration of Music with Chad Smith & Friends on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026 held at the Cultural Arts Playhouse in Syosset, New York. The...
Paris Duo Revives Les Paul and Mary Ford’s Music in New Recording Collaboration
As Seen in New York Trend. A new generation of musicians is revisiting the music of legendary recording artists Les Paul and Mary Ford, bringing their distinctive sound to life through a collaboration with the Les Paul Recording Studio. Paris-based musicians Victor...
A ‘Battle of the Bands’ Is Sending One Local Group to Los Angeles
The winner of 3 Sheeps’ contest will earn a free recording session at Les Paul Studio.Photo Courtesy of 3 Sheeps Brewing BY PIPER PORRETTO-HARRIED Sheboygan brewery 3 Sheeps is paying for one Wisconsin band to travel to Los Angeles – after they prove themselves in a...
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