There was a UK TV series on last year about guitars and guitarists, Les Paul was one of the featured people - he was incredibly impressive still, despite his advanced age. They also showed some VERY old footage of an American TV show he used to do.I saw this on the news earlier. I didn't know of the man but can see he made a great contribution to modern music.
Not quite- he took his design to Gibson, who turned him away. It wasn't until years later that they pick up on his design, of which he contracted with them to name it after him. I'm glad it worked out that way for Les' sake. It serves to somewhat immortalize him. As fabulous as the LP model guitar is, personally I don't like the sharp edges of the body. Sonically, it's a superb instrument. If it had the subtle, hugging curves of a Fender Strat, it would be the perfect ax IMHO! Les Paul and Leo Fender are guitar icons.Long time ago Gibson named the Les Paul after him.