Mary Ford, who would have celebrated her 100th birthday in 2024, was a trailblazing music icon. An accomplished guitarist, vocalist, and actress who was one of the biggest recording artists of the early 1950s, Gibson is proud to honor Mary Ford with the release of the new Mary Ford Les Paul Standard. The Mary Ford Les Paul Standard in Goldtop finish is available worldwide now at authorized Gibson dealers and on www.gibson.com. As part of the new Mary Ford Collection, Gibson is offering an Oxford Pennant, a bandanna, and a t-shirt from Nashville-based design brand imogene + willie.
“I am thrilled that Mom is receiving this recognition for her talents,” says Mary Colleen Wess (daughter of Mary Ford and Les Paul). “I wish she was still with us to enjoy this wonderful honor, which she so richly deserves. Thank you so much, Gibson!”
Through her successful early career in country music and her connections with Gene Autry and Eddie Dean, Mary Ford — who was born Iris Colleen Summers on July 7, 1924 — developed a musical partnership with the Gibson icon Les Paul that led to their marriage in 1949. In 1951 alone, the duo sold over six million records, and between 1950 and 1954, they recorded a string of 16 top-ten hits that showcased Mary’s rich, smooth voice, complex, perfectly executed harmonies that she sang along with herself through multi track recording and overdubbing (a groundbreaking recording technique for the time), while her versatile guitar playing seamlessly blended country, jazz, and pop.
In 1951, Mary and Les influenced the design of the ES-295 hollowbody with a custom order, which Mary often used. In 1958, it is believed that one Les Paul™ Goldtop model with an ES-295-style floral pickguard and matching armrest was created at the request of Mary Ford. Now, Gibson is honored to release this Mary Ford Les Paul Standard, based on that one-of-a-kind original guitar. The Goldtop finish is accented by a Vintage Cherry back—a rarity for a Goldtop model. In addition to the cream and gold floral pickguard and armrest, it also features a mahogany body with a maple cap, a mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard and SlimTaper™ profile and is powered by a pair of Burstbucker™ pickups, with a Burstbucker 2 in the neck position and a Burstbucker 3 in the bridge position. A hardshell guitar case completes this offering that honors one of the most pioneering, beloved and innovative artists of the 20th century.
The short documentary “The History of Mary Ford” is a celebration of fearless innovation, creative genius, technical prowess, and the timeless influence of a woman who helped redefine the boundaries of music. The film features Gibson artist Emily Wolfe performing one of Les Paul and Mary Ford’s hit songs titled “Sitting on Top of The World” on the new Mary Ford Les Paul Standard guitar from Gibson.
