Gibson, the producer of the world’s most iconic electric guitar model, the “Les Paul,” will celebrate the 100^th birthday of musician and inventor Les Paul (June 9, 1915 – Aug. 12, 2009) by offering consumers the opportunity to win a free Gibson Les Paul guitar. A short essay contest will be hosted on www.gibson.com/lespaul100 and be open to any consumer who purchases a new 2015 Gibson USA guitar with the “Les Paul 100” signature on the headstock from an authorized Gibson dealer on June 9, 2015. The winners of the contest will be reimbursed for the full cost of their guitar, with 1 in every 10 qualified submissions selected.

“In addition to be being a celebrated musician and inventor, Les Paul was also a wonderful, charming and humorous person who had a passion for innovation and creative thinking in every aspect of life,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Brands, Inc. “We are excited to celebrate that spirit by inviting people to express their own creativity as a tribute to the important legacy of Les Paul.”

Les Paul was born on June 9, 1915 and became an internationally celebrated jazz, country and blues guitarist, songwriter, luthier, inventor. He is widely considered to be the single most important figure in the mass popularization of the solid-body electric guitar and is perhaps best known today for the iconic instrument he designed, the Gibson Les Paul electric guitar. He is also credited with developing many modern-day recording innovations including overdubbing, tape delay, phasing effects and multitrack recording and his innovative talents in design, songwriting and guitar playing continue to influence modern day guitarists across the world in nearly every genres of music. Among his many honors, Paul is the only person to be included in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

The Les Paul 100^th Contest will be open for entry by qualified consumers in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, France and Germany. Visit www.gibson.com/lespaul100 for full contest details and rules.

Gibson Brands is a global leader in musical instruments, consumer electronics, and professional audio, and is dedicated to providing the most exceptional customer audio products and experiences in the world.

Gibson Brands represent the ideal combination of innovation, tradition and is dedicated to improving the quality of life and music for its customers. Gibson Brands was founded in 1894 and is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee with manufacturing, marketing and research and development centers throughout the  world.