By: Brad Gallagher
You have probably heard that it is in not okay for a parent to have a favorite child, or for grandparent to have a favorite grandchild. But is it okay for a rock artist to have a favorite guitar? It is rumored that Steve Miller has a favorite guitar even though he has told people the he owns more than 450 guitars. So, which one is his favorite?
As the story goes:
It all started with Steve’s father and mother. Steve Miller’s father, George, was a physician who enjoyed recording music as a hobby in his spare time. His mother, Bertha, was a talented jazz singer, and is said to have been the one who introduced Steve to music when he was very young. They were known to frequent different jazz clubs to record the artists, and they got to know many people in the music industry.
On one such occasion they met a jazz guitarist named Lester, and his singing partner Mary. George asked if Lester would mind if he recorded him while he played, and Lester gave him permission to do so. They ran into each other frequently after that, and as time went on the two couples became close friends. In fact, in 1949 when Lester and Mary got married, George was the best man and Bertha was the matron on honor at their wedding.
Lester and Mary were frequent visitors at the Millers house, and Lester was even named as Steve’s godfather. One day while Lester was sitting playing his guitar, Steve walked through the room to get to the bathroom. Steve was about 5 years old at the time, and Lester noticed that Steve was eyeing his guitar. Lester asked him if he knew how to play. Steve replied that he did a little. So, Lester handed him the guitar and Steve began to play. Lester was amazed at how good he was at just 5 years old, and remarked that someday Steve would be as good as he was.
From that day on, Lester was not just Steve’s godfather, but he also became his mentor. Steve Miller went on to sell more than 24 million records. And it is no wonder, since his godfather and mentor, Lester, was the world famous blues and jazz guitarist Les Paul. It is also no wonder that even though Steve Miller’s owns 450 guitars, his favorite guitar is a Gibson Les Paul.
At least that is how I heard the story. And now that is how you heard the story. Now sign up for my post alerts and come back and visit me very soon on As The Story Goes.
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