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Tuesday June 25th, 2002
Lee Roy Parnell rocks first Gibson Master Class at Rock Hall of Fame
Photos by Neal Hamilton for the Rock and Roll Hall of FameRockin' country star and master guitarist Lee Roy Parnell demonstrated his playing techniques and discussed his influences at the inaugural Gibson Master Class at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Monday, June 24. The discussion and performance session, in the Museums Fourth Floor Theater, is the first of a three-event partnership between Gibson Guitar and the Museum.
Lee Roy has brought together influences from blues, rock, Western swing and country to create his own unique style of music, said Henry Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar Corp. His career exemplifies the independence and individualism that is associated with Gibson players, and hes the perfect artist to kick off the Gibson Master Class series.
Guitar playing is central to rock and roll music, said Terry Stewart, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The Museum is proud to partner with Gibson to bring exceptional guitar players here to discuss their craft.
Parnell is not only a talented guitarist, but is a gifted singer/songwriter. Since his 1990 debut, he has released seven studio albums and garnered numerous Top 10 hits. These hits include What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am, "Love Without Mercy and Im Holding My Own. His latest release is Tell the Truth.
As Lee Roy tells it, when he was fifteen-years-old, he bought "the guitar of his dreams," a 1956 Les Paul Goldtop. "I traded motorcycle parts for it," recalls Lee Roy. "The guitar had been stored under this old mans bed for years in Fort Worth, Texas.
"I literally grew up with old 'Goldy. It took me from garage bands to the biggest stages all over the world. I had become very attached to that guitar."
Gibson Custom recently presented Parnell Goldy II, and "aged" replica of his first love.
Mike McGuire, Director of Operations and Master Luthier for Gibson Custom, fielded questions ranging from production and technical questions to guitar technique and development as an artist.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum exists to educate its visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and significance of rock and roll music. The Museum carries out this mission through its efforts to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret this art form. To learn more about upcoming Gibson Master Classes contact the Rock Hall here.
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