Orville Gibson

About

Founder of the Gibson Guitar Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan, who was favored by musicians from Chet Atkins to Frank Zappa.

Before Fame

He was a clerk at a shoe store when he started carving his early mandolins and guitars, establishing his self-named guitar company in 1902.

Trivia

His health declined after his company was established, and Gibson spent much of his time in and out of various mental institutions.

Family Life

He was born in Chateaugay, New York, growing up with two sisters and two brothers.

Associated With

His company created what became arguably the world's most popular guitar, the Gibson Les Paul, which was developed personally for the rocker.