The Les Paul Foundation – Live at the Charlotte Guitar Show

Charlotte, NC – The Charlotte Guitar Show was held August 29th and 30th and as usual the crowd was substantial and the guitars on-hand were amazing. But this year, there was a bittersweet display hosted. by Jerseys’ own, Frankie B. of The First Fret Guitar Shoppe and John DeSilva of My Generation Guitars.

Frankie B playing of one Les Pauls Guitars in Charlotte NC

This exceptionally special display was of Les Paul’s own collection of instruments. Frank had contacted Gbase in this regard and we talked about how to spread the word on the Les Paul Foundation and the opportunity that came from the unfortunate passing of Les. Frankie and John put together a few words to review the Charlotte Guitar Show and the display of Les’ instruments.

Upon the sad passing of the legendary Les Paul, an opportunity arose to make some good come from the passing of one of the music industries greatest.

Upon hearing of the loss of Les Paul, Frank Beatrice of First Fret Guitar Shoppe and John DeSilva of My Generation Guitars were contacted by long time friend Lex Thomas.  Lex had been a friend of Les Pauls.  Les had gifted Lex two of his personal guitars.  These were not just any guitars but the very guitars Les allowed his friends and guests to play!  To names just a few, these guitars were played by Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Merle Haggard, Zakk Wylde, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Ritchie Sambora, John 5, Charlie Daniels, Tuck Andress, and the list goes on.  Lex wanted to somehow give back to the guitar community some of the gift, that Les Paul had given to him.

John DeSilva, Lex Thomas & Frankie B.

We decided to display the guitars at the Charlotte Guitar Show on behalf of the Les Paul Foundation.  The Les Paul Foundation is a charity organization to help further music education and help underpriviledged children obtain the instruments that they could not otherwise afford.  In exchange for a donation, Lex was gracious enough to allow the public to play these priceless guitars.   The show was a smashing success and we must thank the shows promoters, Gary and Bonnie Burnette of Bee-3 Vintage for their generous donations and for providing the foundation with booth space.

John DeSilva, Gary Burnette of Bee-3 and Lex Thomas

Even Brad Whitford stopped by to try these amazing instruments.

Frankie B., Brad Whitford of Aerosmith and Lex Thomas

The Les Paul Foundation provides scholarships and grants for education in music, engineering, music production and other areas of music. The Les Paul Foundation also supports medical research all in order to help perpetuate and honor the Les Paul legacy.

If you would like to make a donation please send it to:

The Les Paul Foundation

236 West 36th St.

7th Floor

New York, NY 10001