the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Mahwah NJ, yes we missed it, guitar aficionados June 9th was Les Paul Day in Mahwah ! Lester William Polsfuss, known as Les Paul, was born June 9, 1915 in Waukesha, Wisconsin and dubbed “The Wizard of Waukesha”. Les was a well-known American Jazz, Country and Blues Guitarist. Les was also a Songwriter, Luthier and Inventor.
The famous guitarist is known for his contributions to music, milestones to the recording industry and the guitar that bears his name. Les remains the only person to be included in both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Inventors Hall of Fame, and he remained a dedicated live performer well past his 90th birthday. Les passed away on August 12, 2009, but his legacy lives on especially here in Mahwah. The Mahwah Museum has an amazing exhibit where you can learn more about his life and legacy. Les Paul was a Mahwah resident for 57 years from 1952 until 2009. Stay tuned. The township is planning for future ways and events to celebrate his legacy in the years to come.