Bringing the Legacy of Les Paul to the Bedside

Musicians On Call (MOC) is honored to celebrate the legacy of the “father of modern music” with Veteran patients, family members and caregivers through the generous support of the Les Paul Foundation. 

For over seven years, the Les Paul Foundation has been an incredible supporter of Musicians On Call’s MOC Virtual and pediatrics programs. The Foundation works to inspire innovative and creative thinking by sharing the legacy of Les Paul through its support of music education, recording, innovation and medical research on hearing. Now, the Les Paul Foundation has awarded MOC a grant to pilot the first-ever Les Paul MOC Bedside program, bringing live music and storytelling opportunities related to Les Paul and his body of work to Veteran patients at the Nashville VA. 

Volunteer Musicians, including Drew Dixon and Veterans Brooks Herring and Nick Scherer delivered songs influenced and inspired by Les Paul to Veteran patients and caregivers while Guides shared stories of his life and brought Les Paul-themed guitar picks, trading cards and bookmarks to give to eager patients.

Beyond Les Paul’s enormous contributions to modern music and technology, he could perhaps be remembered as a “Musician On Call,” himself. He and Mary Ford often brought the gift of music beyond the stage to hospitals, visiting patients and performing for them. Another interesting fact is that Les served in the Armed Forces Radio Service, bringing music to others who served. We’re honored to share in this same passion, ensuring those in the hospital receive the healing power of music.

Thank you to the Les Paul Foundation for supporting Musicians On Call and for helping to provide moments of connection, care and joy to patients, family members and caregivers.