Les Paul Timeline

By daledwham

  • Birth of Les Paul

    Born Lester William Polsfuss.
  • Black Tuesday

    Black Tuesday

    Recognized as a precursor to The Great Depression in the United States. Music was a common form of entertainment amongst struggling middle and lower classes.
  • World War II Begins

    World War II Begins

    While not involved initially, World War II would soon effect the lives of every American including Les Paul who was enlisted into the Army shortly after America entered the War. Fortunately for Paul he was able to serve from home with the AFRS.
  • World War II Ends

    World War II Ends

    Upon the end of WW II, Paul was able to collaborate with Bing Crosby on "It's Been a Long, Long Time."

  • Columbia Records Unveils the LP Record

  • Vietnam Conflict 1955

    Vietnam Conflict 1955

    Opinions on the Vietnam Conflict, commonly referred to as the Vietnam War, would soon be expressed through music by a youthful generation in events such as Woodstock.
  • Elvis Presley records "Heartbreak Hotel"

    Elvis Presley records "Heartbreak Hotel"

    Elvis Presley, a rock legend, used Les Paul Gibson guitars just as many other prominent figures in rock and roll.
  • The Beatles release "Love me Do"

    The Beatles release "Love me Do"

    The Beatles were one of the most prominent international rock bands of their time and showed the interest in rock and roll transcended political boundaries.
  • Woodstock Music and Art Fair

    Woodstock Music and Art Fair

    While Les Paul may not have been there in person, the guitar created in his name, the Les Paul Gibson, certainly made its presence known.
  • Death of Louis Armstrong

    Death of Louis Armstrong

    The death of Louis Armstrong, another example of significant jazz musicians outlived by Les Paul.
  • United States ceases involvement in Vietnam Conflict

    United States ceases involvement in Vietnam Conflict

    Vietnam Memorial Soldiers by Frederick Hart. One of the most visited monuments in Washington, D.C. is HartÆs heroic bronze statue The Three Soldiers, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, dedicated by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Highsmith, Carol M. "Vietnam Memorial Soldiers by Frederick Hart, Washington, D.C." Vietnam Memorial Soldiers by Frederick Hart, Washington, D.C. Library of Congress, 13 Sept. 2006. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/highsm.04696/.
  • Sony Walkman becomes available

    Sony Walkman becomes available

    "Walkman TPS." Wikimedia.org. Kafziel, 14 Sept. 2006. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WalkmanTPS-L2.jpg.

  • Compact Discs become commercially available

  • Terrorist Attack against the World Trade Center

    Terrorist Attack against the World Trade Center

    On September 11, 2001 several terrorists hijacked and intentionally crashed 3 aircraft, including 2 which were flown into the World Trade Center in New York.
  • Death of Les Paul

    Death of Les Paul

    Les Paul died on August 13, 2009 at the age of 94.