Song Of The Day #107

In recognition of Les Paul's passing we will feature some of his music today.

The obits I've seen are not mentioning his country roots. Paul started performing as a country guitarist at the age of 13 and was playing professionally at 17 (he quit high school.) His first two records were released in 1936 and one was under the name of Rhubarb Red. Our first two selections are I Never See Maggie Alone and The Old Spinning Wheel by Rhubarb Red & His Rubes. The first is indicative of the type of country music they were doing, and the second is a good example of Les Paul backing up a fiddle player. You rhythm guitar players should listen closely to the runs and licks he hits.

Les Paul and his wife, Mary Ford had many top hits in the fifties. Player 2 has Chicken Reel, which showcases his guitar style at that time, and one of their biggest hits, Vaya Con Dios

Bronco Buster CD 9023 Rhubarb Red & His Rhubes contains the first two selections. His Capitol recordings are available on the 4 disc box set The Legend and the Legacy

In addition to all his musical accomplishments, Les Paul is also famous among guitar pickers for the following:

In January 1948, Paul was injured in a near-fatal automobile accident in Oklahoma, which shattered his right arm and elbow. Doctors told Paul that there was no way for them to rebuild his elbow in a way that would let him regain movement, and that his arm would remain permanently in whatever position they placed it in. Paul then instructed the surgeons to set his arm at an angle that would allow him to cradle and pick the guitar. It took him a year and a half to recover. His right elbow being set at a permanent 90 degree angle is the reason for the small size and unusual shape of the original "Les Paul" guitar body.