Les Paul Show

Musical Program (1950)

The Les Paul Show features Les Paul and Mary Ford at the height of their career together. In the program, there are only three people in addition to a "recording machine. There's Les Paul (who plays up to seven guitars), Mary Ford (who sings three parts) and a percussionist. Each week opens with a funny little introduction with Les telling stories and Mary giggling, then they launch into their music. Listeners write in with requests and are amazed to find that this show is not put on by an orchestra, but rather, as the announcer says, "three people who sound like more and listen like a million. Les created their unique sound by recording their voices and guitars so they could harmonize with themselves.

Originally, Les Paul started his career as a dual-personality jazz musician and hillbilly singer named "Rhubarb Red. He appeared on the Fred Waring Show and worked with Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole prior to meeting Mary Ford and starting the Les Paul Trio. Les Paul and Iris Colleen Summers were introduced by Gene Autry. They courted and sang together for three years. Flipping through a phone book, Les renamed her Mary Ford, a suitable short name to match his. After a serious auto accident where Les had his right arm permanently set to a guitar-playing position, Les persevered and the couple was married in 1949. They continued to make music together and soon became a big hit.

This collection includes both the Les Paul Show, as well as Les Paul and Mary Ford's guest appearances on other programs, such as Bing Crosby , Command Performance, and Mail Call. Some shows even have Mary Ford before she changed her name, and Les Paul playing guitar in a band other than the Les Paul Trio. So tune in and listen to the unique sound of Mary Ford and a Paul named Les. You're tapping toe will be glad you did.

For more music shows that are sure to please your ear, listen to Sammy Kaye Sunday Serenade, Enchanted Hour, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Choose a Song Partner, Judy Garland or Lonesome Gal.