Scope and Content Note
The Les Paul papers span 1904-2000, the bulk of which are from 1934-1996. The materials consist of music used for performances, sheet music, subject files, and publicity files that provide an overview of Paul's life and career. The collection does not contain realia such as award statues or instruments.
Music materials are divided into two subseries: Performance Library and Printed Sheet Music. Performance Library materials consist of Paul's original compositions and arrangements, as well as compositions and arrangements by others for Paul's ensembles. Arrangers are noted if present. Numbers following titles, if they appear, are original to Les Paul's personal music library and can be used to match scores and parts. Printed Sheet Music contains works written or recorded by Les Paul and Mary Ford, or performed by Les Paul under his radio alias, "Rhubard Red." This subseries primarily consists of piano-vocal scores, but also contains annotated sheet music, lead sheets, and sheet music inscribed by Les Paul or to him by other composers. The bulk of the sheet music represents the height of Les Paul's performing career from the 1940s through the 1950s.
Les Paul was a focused and talented musician and innovator whose Subject Files, which account for more than two-thirds of the collection, help document his interests. These papers largely contain correspondence, contracts and other legal documents, and royalty statements and other financial documents, but also include: schematics for instruments, audio equipment, and other wiring diagrams; itineraries and travel details; brochures and catalogs for recording equipment; patent applications; photographs; scripts; discographies; and biographical materials. The Publicity Files series includes photographs, clippings, advertisements, programs, biographical information, and other publicity and promotional materials regarding Les Paul, Mary Ford, and others, as well as some personal family photographs.