By Phyllis Fender.
Occasionally, the world produces one of those rare thinkers that alter the course of history.
Disney reinvented entertainment, Einstein revolutionized science, Edison lit up our lives with the light bulb, Bell got the world talking with the telephone … and Fender revolutionized music.
If you think about it, Leo Fender has influenced every person on earth today – at least everyone who has ever heard a song.
Guitar Player Magazine declared that Clarence Leo Fender is the father of the solid body guitar. Not only did he invent it, but Leo’s guitars were used by everyone from Elvis Presley, to Eric Clapton and from Jimmy Page to Jimmy Hendrix. Indeed, Rolling Stone Magazine published a list of the world's top 100 guitarists, and 90 of them used one of Leo's guitars on stage, and the others used guitars that copied Leo's inventions and concepts.
Leo Fender was shy, had one glass eye, and was nearly deaf. Yet, from the small town of Fullerton, California, he built an iconic worldwide empire that is worshiped by the rock stars themselves. The highest price ever spent for music memorabilia was not for Michael Jackson’s glove, original Beatles’ handwritten lyrics or even Elvis’ killer pantsuit. It was for a Fender Stratocaster, which sold for a staggering $2.7 million.
Written by the wife of the late Leo Fender, for the very first time, this book provides a rare look into the wonderful mind and world of this quiet genius.
About the Author
REVIEWS
“When other companies made electric guitars, that is all they did, but Leo had the whole concept in mind: he made an amplifier to match the guitar. It is, after all, electric! This left the other guys with only half an egg. If you also used a Fender amp, you had the whole deal. So simple, so complete, whether you preferred a Stratocaster or a Telecaster. Sturdy, reliable, and beautifully made, Fender remains the standard that others strive to reach—let alone the bass!”
Keith Richards, the Rolling Stones
“Leo once told Phyllis that all artists are angels and his job was to give them wings to fly. Leo’s vision has guided Fender for nearly 70 years. I think about what Leo said every morning on my way to the office and it makes me smile.”
Andy Mooney, CEO, Fender Musical Instruments
“The Leo Fender legacy has continued for decades here at the G&L factory on Fender Avenue in Fullerton, California, where Leo’s office and laboratory remind us of his genius and passion for creating tools for musical expression. Though much has been written about his instruments, amplifiers and the musical revolution they fostered, precious little has been shared about this complex man who was brilliant yet humble, competitive yet compassionate, pragmatic yet spiritual. This book is an absolute must read for any music fan, a unique vantage point from which we can more richly understand and appreciate the father of modern music.”
Dave McLaren, CEO, G&L Musical Instruments
“For every young boy like myself or young girl that was influenced by Rock 'n Roll, and maybe were even fortunate to own a Fender Guitar, the story and history of Leo Fender becomes personal. Leo's wife, Phyllis and Dr. Randall Bell reveal his subtle, humble and productive renown. Leo's gift and passion are the perfect story and example of when need meets invention. Rock 'n Roll was born and it needed a parent that would give it a signature sound and instrument. Iconic Fender guitars were born for Rock 'n Roll as much as Rock 'n Roll was born for Fender. As Phyllis Fender says, this is a love story of Leo and his kids and will cause you to fall in love with your Fender guitar again.”
Bill Martinez, Radio Host, Bill Martinez Live
“With unwavering support from Randall Bell, Phyllis Fender’s book is a love letter to Leo Fender and to a bygone era. Through funny and intimate stories, she takes us to the man behind the Telecaster, the Stratocaster, and the myriad of inventions that shaped music in the last half of the 20th century. Other books cover the inventions—this one dwells on their creator.”
Valerie Milano, Editor, The Hollywood Times
“The embodiment of the American exceptionalism that won the Cold War and defined the 20th century, Leo Fender's life is essential knowledge for anyone who wishes to understand freedom in the United States and in the world.”
John Lafayette Ramey, Musician, Journalist
