The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York’s latest acquisition is a magnificent Gibson Les Paul TV Special electric guitar, a promised gift to the museum by rocker Steve Miller in time for The Met’s 150th anniversary.
The guitar’s unique moniker came from the warm white colour it gave off when it appeared on black-and-white televisions under harsh broadcasting lights. Mary Ford, guitar player, singer and wife of legendary guitarist Les Paul, was one of the earliest to adopt the guitar in her TV performances (Paul also happened to be Miller’s godfather).
This 1961 version was presented to Miller by Leslie West, founder of the hard rock band, Mountain and a former member of The Vagrants. Miller later commissioned surfboard artist Bob Cantrell to paint over the guitar and its designs is exemplary of the psychedelic art of the time.
As Jayson Dobney, curator in charge of musical instruments at The Met puts it, “Such decorated instruments, matched with stage costumes, posters, and album cover art, became hallmarks of style that enhanced the overall image of the bands that used them. They were also uniquely identifiable as personal items of iconic musicians.”
Miller used this guitar in some of his iconic television performances including Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert in 1973 where an early version of Fly Like An Eagle was performed. The guitar has not been retired–Miller will continue to use it up until he retires from public performances.
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