WAUNAKEE, WI (September 20, 2004) – Les Paul, “father of the electric guitar” and modern-music pioneer, will be honored with a first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award in Music Education at a special ceremony on October 27 at Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, established by the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM), celebrates the reach of music education by saluting Wisconsin natives who have made outstanding contributions to the world of music throughout their lives.

Wisconsin-native Les Paul is the first recipient of the award and will be honored by WFSM and guests at a special reception and dinner where the award will be presented. Invited guests include Governor Doyle, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Elizabeth Burmaster, music industry friends Ben Sidran, Clyde Stubblefield and many others. Proceeds from this and related events will go toward further honoring Les Paul by naming the Recognition Center Lobby after him in the soon-to-be-built Wisconsin Center for Music Education.

“Since the 1950s, the world has been forever changed because of the innovations and artistry of Les Paul. Early on in his life, a music teacher helped him discover the music and creativity in his heart and mind. Eighty years later, he continues to reward her by making music every day,” said WFSM Director of Development Mike George.

Born June 9, 1915 in Waukesha, Wis., Les Paul has fostered a lifetime of musical achievements. His performing career began at the early age of 13 and by the 1950s, he was recognized as the greatest jazz guitarist of his generation. The Les Paul Trio, which included his talented wife Mary Ford, produced such hits as “Vaya Con Dios,” “Mockin’ Bird Hill,” “How High the Moon” and “Tennessee Waltz.”

As an inventor, Les Paul’s breakthrough creation of the solid-body electric guitar paved the way for rock and roll. He also perfected the first multi-track recording machine, allowing separate lines of instrumental music and vocals to be blended together. His many recording innovations – including reverb effects, sound-on-sound, overdubbing and multi-tracking – have contributed immensely to the world of music.

To learn more about WFSM, the Lifetime Achievement Award and future Wisconsin Center for Music Education, log on to www.wsmamusic.org and select the “Wisconsin Foundation for School Music” tab.

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The Wisconsin Foundation for School Music supports involvement of youth in music education experiences, primarily through the programs and services of the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA). The Foundation provides a means for individuals and corporations to invest in the lives of young musicians and has a direct impact on their efforts to achieve excellence through music.