As it celebrates 130 years of music history, Gibson, the iconic and leading global instrument brand, continues to shape sound across generations and genres of music for over a century, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved music brands around the world. In the 1940s and 50s, when women were consigned to managing their family homes, Mary Ford, who would have celebrated her 100th birthday in 2024, was a trailblazing music icon. An accomplished guitarist, vocalist, and actress who was one of the biggest recording artists of the early 1950s, Gibson is proud to honor Mary Ford with the release of the new Mary Ford Les Paul Standard. The Mary Ford Les Paul Standard in Goldtop finish is available worldwide now at authorized Gibson dealers and on www.gibson.com. As part of the new Mary Ford Collection, Gibson is offering an Oxford Pennant, a bandanna, and a t-shirt from Nashville-based design brand imogene + willie, view the Mary Ford Collection: HERE.
“I am thrilled that Mom is receiving this recognition for her talents,” says Mary Colleen Wess (daughter of Mary Ford and Les Paul). “I wish she was still with us to enjoy this wonderful honor, which she so richly deserves. Thank you so much, Gibson!”
Through her successful early career in country music and her connections with Gene Autry and Eddie Dean, Mary Ford–who was born Iris Colleen Summers on July 7, 1924–developed a musical partnership with the Gibson icon Les Paul that led to their marriage in 1949. In 1951 alone, the duo sold over six million records, and between 1950 and 1954, they recorded a string of 16 top-ten hits that showcased Mary’s rich, smooth voice, complex, perfectly executed harmonies that she sang along with herself through multi track recording and overdubbing (a groundbreaking recording technique for the time), while her versatile guitar playing seamlessly blended country, jazz, and pop.
Explore the Mary Ford Les Paul Standard from Gibson HERE, and view the full Mary Ford Collection HERE.
