Mary Ford Vocalist and Guitarist

Mary Ford, originally known as Colleen Summers, began her journey as a music artist with the vocal group 'The Sunshine Girls.' This ensemble was celebrated for its perfect harmonies, providing backing for popular Western singers like Jimmy Wakely and Foy Willing. In 1944, Mary had the remarkable opportunity to sing with the legendary 'Singing Cowboy,' Gene Autry.

In 1946, Gene Autry introduced Mary to the famed inventor and guitar builder Les Paul at his home studio. Tragically, in 1948, Mary was involved in a car accident while driving on an icy road, resulting in a broken pelvis, while Les, who was a passenger, suffered permanent disabilities. The couple married on December 29, 1949.

Mary Ford was groundbreaking as the first artist to overdub a vocal harmony in their studio in 1949, a technique that became known as 'The New Sound.' 

In 1951, she received one of the first Gold Top Gibson guitars, and her unforgettable performance on 'How High the Moon' soared it to #1 on the charts. Between 1950 and 1957, Mary was featured on 14 albums, numerous singles, and 16 top ten hits, along with a weekly television show. She had the honor of performing for President Eisenhower at the White House in 1956. By 1960, Mary and Les were celebrated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1961, Mary embraced the new Gibson SG guitar, significantly contributing to its commercial success. Mary and Les Paul divorced in 1963.

Sadly, Mary Ford passed away late Friday, October 7th, 1977, in Los Angeles after spending 8 weeks in a coma due to complications from diabetes related to alcohol dependency. She was just 53 years old.