Legendary Musician Honored on Les Paul’s Birthday at Private Ceremony
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton will be honored with the prestigious Les Paul Spirit Award on Sunday, June 9th, 2024 at 6:30 PM CT. The private ceremony will take place at the Gibson Garage Nashville (209 10th Ave S, Suite 209) on what would have been Les Paul’s 109th birthday and coincides with the Gibson Garage Nashville’s third anniversary.
The Les Paul Spirit Award is presented annually by the Les Paul Foundation and Gibson Gives. It recognizes musicians who embody Les Paul’s innovative spirit through their contributions in music, technology, engineering, or creativity. The award also includes a charitable donation from the Les Paul Foundation to the recipient’s chosen cause.
Frampton’s Pioneering Spirit
Frampton is not only a celebrated musician but also a pioneer in using new musical technologies. His early recordings on albums like “Frampton” and “Frampton Comes Alive!” showcase this spirit, particularly his innovative use of the talk box in hits like “Do You Feel Like We Do” and “Show Me the Way.” This unique approach has secured his place in music history.
Honoring Les Paul’s Legacy
Michael Braunstein, Executive Director of The Les Paul Foundation, enthusiastically endorsed Frampton’s selection: “There’s no one more deserving of this year’s award than Peter Frampton. He’s not only a phenomenal talent who’s blessed us with incredible music, but also an innovator who understands music, technology, and the spirit of Les Paul himself.”
Beth Heidt, Chief Marketing Officer at Gibson, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of honoring Les Paul’s legacy: “Gibson Gives is thrilled to celebrate Les Paul’s immense contributions and partner with the Les Paul Foundation to keep his legacy alive. He continues to inspire musicians across generations and genres.”
Frampton’s Enduring Influence
Frampton’s musical journey began in England, where he joined his first band at 16. He later rose to fame with the supergroup Humble Pie before embarking on a successful solo career. His live album, “Frampton Comes Alive!”, is considered one of the greatest live recordings ever. Despite his 2019 inclusion body myositis diagnosis, Frampton continues to write and perform, serving as a symbol of perseverance and hope.
A Unique Award
The Les Paul Spirit Award presented to Frampton will be crafted from hand-carved acoustic boards built by Les Paul himself, adding a unique historical touch to the honor.
About Gibson Gives and the Les Paul Foundation
Gibson Gives, the charitable arm of Gibson guitars, supports musicians through music education, health, and wellness initiatives worldwide. Over the past three years, they’ve raised over $4.5 million for key organizations through product donations and charitable giving.
The Les Paul Foundation continues to inspire innovation by promoting music education, recording, and exhibits about Les Paul, ensuring his legacy lives on for future generations.