Who was Mary Ford?

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While I’m sure you’ve heard of Les Paul, Mary Ford is a much lesser-known figure. She was born Ireen Colleen Summers in 1924, and her musical passion was apparent from an early age. But it wasn’t until she met her husband that Ford rose to fame.

However, Mary was a great guitarist and artist in her own right – so much so that she’s heavily influenced one of the most iconic guitar manufacturers in history.

Ford’s musical journey began around 1944 when Les Paul invited her to audition for his upcoming radio country show. He had heard Ford singing as part of the Sunshine Girls trio and eagerly invited her for an audition. She was already a huge fan of his work, so this was a real honour.

Mary Ford arrived at Les Paul Studios where the interview was due to take place. You’re probably imagining this as some sort of gold-plated establishment. The reality was quite different.

When she arrived, Ford was directed towards a garage and instructed to climb through the window. So this was the infamous Les Paul Studios… a makeshift recording den crafted by Les and his friends.

To add insult to injury, not even Les Paul looked the part. At the time, he was sporting baggy army trousers, old army boots, and a checkered shirt. This is radically different from the classy, suited and booted star shown to the world. Ford herself didn’t even recognise him until he laid down some classic licks on a guitar in the studio.

After all the confusion was cleared up, Ford completed the audition, successfully earning a place on Paul’s rather oddly named radio show, Rhubarb Red and the Ozark Apple Knockers, featuring Mary Lou (Ford’s stage name at the time).

The stage name “Mary Ford” was acquired after the duo played together for the first time at The Club 400, where Ford acted as an emergency backup for Paul – you’d be a fool to turn down such a request. The performance was a huge success, and their duo act was officially born. Paul found the stage name “Mary Ford” in a Milwaukee phone book after the performance.

Over the following years, Les Paul and Mary Ford achieved millions of record sales and landed 15 major hits between 1951 and 1952, including “Mockin’ Bird Hill” and “How High the Moon”. In 1953, they debuted their own show.

Aside from her great musical success, Ford also played a crucial role in innovating recording techniques, working with Paul to pioneer sound-on-sound recording by attaching a playback head to an Ampex tape. At the time, this was a monumental advancement.

Mary Ford and Gibson

Ford significantly shaped the sound and style of modern electric guitar music. While Paul often receives credit for revolutionising guitar design, Ford’s influence is undeniable.

In 1951, Les Paul and Mary Ford collaborated with Gibson, contributing ideas that helped develop the ES-295 – a real beauty that cements its place in guitar history. The first thing you’ll notice about this model is its gold finish and unique floral pickguard, it’s not only stunning but also represents an important guitar in Gibson’s golden era.

In addition, Ford is also believed to have requested a special version of the Goldtop model with an ES-295-style floral pickguard and a matching armrest.

The most noticeable difference between the two models is that the ES-295 is a hollow body whereas Ford’s uniquely requested body utilised the Les Paul shape. It’s a combination that’ll certainly catch your eye if you’re interested in vintage Gibson guitars.

Ford’s contribution to Gibson left a lasting impact. Her iconic voice and guitar playing inspired many musical genres, particularly jazz and country. You’ll have heard her impact in one way or another, probably without even realising it!

The Gibson Mary Ford Les Paul Standard 50s, Goldtop

Gibson’s new Mary Ford Les Paul Standard celebrates and pays homage to Mary Ford’s huge influence, recreating her bespoke Goldtop model with an ES-295-style floral pickguard and armrest.

The floral elements on the armrest and pickguard echo those seen on Mary’s unique Goldtop request from 1958, giving the guitar a rare and elegant touch. A Vintage Cherry back complements the gold top.

This guitar captures Ford’s ’50s-era tone with a mahogany body, maple cap, and a pair of Burstbucker pickups that produce that distinctive twang and brightness with warm undertones.

It captures the sound of the ’50s and Mary Ford’s character – a fitting tribute to the legendary guitarist and vocalist.

FAQs

What happened to Les Paul and Mary Ford?

Mary Ford and Les Paul divorced in 1964. Paul wanted to continue performing, while Ford wished to stop – this eventually led to the end of their marriage of 15 years. In later years, they both reminisced fondly over the time spent together and their mark on music.

How many children did Les Paul and Mary Ford have?

Les Paul and Mary Ford had three children. Their first child was born in 1954 but sadly passed away at just four days old. In 1958, they adopted a daughter, Colleen, and the following year, their son, Robert Ralph ‘Bobby’ Paul, was born.

How old was Mary Ford when she died?

Mary Ford died at the age of 53 on 30th September 1977. Les Paul died in 2009, at the age of 94.

Final thoughts

The legacy of Mary Ford is immense. Her breakthroughs in music and recording are all still felt today in one way or another, and the Gibson Mary Ford Les Paul Standard 50s pays homage to this with its floral appointments, gold top finish, and ’50s-esque sound.

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