Leo Fender - by Phyllis Fender & Randall Bell (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Occasionally, the world produces one of those rare thinkers that alter the course of history.

Disney reinvented entertainment, Einstein revolutionized science, Edison lit up our lives with the light bulb, Bell got the world talking with the telephone ... and Fender revolutionized music.

If you think about it, Leo Fender has influenced every person on earth today - at least everyone who has ever heard a song.

Guitar Player Magazine declared that Clarence Leo Fender is the father of the solid body guitar. Not only did he invent it, but Leo's guitars were used by everyone from Elvis Presley, to Eric Clapton and from Jimmy Page to Jimmy Hendrix. Indeed, Rolling Stone Magazine published a list of the world's top 100 guitarists, and 90 of them used one of Leo's guitars on stage, and the others used guitars that copied Leo's inventions and concepts.

Leo Fender was shy, had one glass eye, and was nearly deaf. Yet, from the small town of Fullerton, California, he built an iconic worldwide empire that is worshiped by the rock stars themselves. The highest price ever spent for music memorabilia was not for Michael Jackson's glove, original Beatles' handwritten lyrics or even Elvis' killer pantsuit. It was for a Fender Stratocaster, which sold for a staggering $2.7 million.

Written by the wife of the late Leo Fender, for the very first time, this book provides a rare look into the wonderful mind and world of this quiet genius.

Review Quotes

When other companies made electric guitars, that is all they did, but Leo had the whole concept in mind: he made an amplifier to match the guitar. It is, after all, electric! This left the other guys with only half an egg. If you also used a Fender amp, you had the whole deal. So simple, so complete, whether you preferred a Stratocaster or a Telecaster. Sturdy, reliable, and beautifully made, Fender remains the standard that others strive to reach--let alone the bass!
-- KEITH RICHARDS, THE ROLLING STONES

The Leo Fender legacy has continued for decades here at the G&L factory on Fender Avenue in Fullerton, California, where Leo's office and laboratory remind us of his genius and passion for creating tools for musical expression. Though much has been written about his instruments, amplifiers and the musical revolution they fostered, precious little has been shared about this complex man who was brilliant yet humble, competitive yet compassionate, pragmatic yet spiritual. This book is an absolute must read for any music fan, a unique vantage point from which we can more richly understand and appreciate the father of modern music.
-- DAVE MCLAREN, CEO, G&L MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Leo once told Phyllis that all artists are angels and his job was to give them wings to fly. Leo's vision has guided Fender for nearly 70 years. I think about what Leo said every morning on my way to the office and it makes me smile.
-- ANDY MOONEY, CEO, FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

With unwavering support from Randall Bell, Phyllis Fender's book is a love letter to Leo Fender and to a bygone era. Through funny and intimate stories, she takes us to the man behind the Telecaster, the Stratocaster and the myriad of inventions that shaped music in the last half of the 20th century. Other books cover the inventions - this one dwells on their creator.
-- VALERIE MILANO, EDITOR, THE HOLLYWOOD TIMES

For every young boy like myself or young girl that was influenced by Rock 'n Roll, and maybe were even fortunate to own a Fender Guitar, the story and history of Leo Fender becomes personal. Leo's wife, Phyllis and Dr. Randall Bell reveal his subtle, humble and productive renown. Leo's gift and passion are the perfect story and example of when need meets invention. Rock 'n Roll was born and it needed a parent that would give it a signature sound and instrument. Iconic Fender guitars were born for Rock 'n Roll as much as Rock 'n Roll was born for Fender. As Phyllis Fender says, this is a love story of Leo and his kids and will cause you to fall in love with your Fender guitar again.
-- BILL MARTINEZ, RADIO HOST, BILL MARTINEZ LIVE

As a longtime guitar player and the owner of many vintage Fender instruments and amplifiers, I was delighted to learn more about the man behind the legendary company. One of the "friendliest" signatures in the world, comes to life in this amazing behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of Leo Fender.
-- ROB SCHILLING, HOST OF WINA'S THE SCHILLING SHOW

The embodiment of the American exceptionalism that won the Cold War and defined the 20th century, Leo Fender's life is essential knowledge for anyone who wishes to understand freedom in the United States, and in the world.
-- JOHN LAFAYETTE RAMEY, MUSICIAN, JOURNALIST

Many books have been written about Leo Fender and his marvelous musical inventions, but none have given us a glimpse into Fender's personal life. Phyllis Fender and Randall Bell have done an incredible job of humanizing the genius that was Leo Fender as his legacy continues!
-- ERIC DAHL, FOX 17 ROCK & REVIEW

A must read for any person who has ever plugged into an amplifier or dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. We get a unique view under the hood of the selfless utilitarian genius who worked tirelessly around the clock up until his final days to perfect the craft. Phyllis Fender takes us behind the scenes of the man who worked famously behind the scenes for 1 reason alone--to serve the musician. A true underdog story.
-- MATT GIBNEY, THE STRATOSPHERE

This short yet captivating book is required reading for any true Fender aficionado. While much has been written about the work of Clarence Leonidas "Leo" Fender, precious little has been written about Leo Fender the man. This book is a game changer.
-- VAUGHN SKOW, VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE

You've heard of the Wizard of Waukesha? How about Leo the Lion from Fullerton? In the movie 'It's A Wonderful Life', George Bailey was shown by Clarence the Angel what things would have looked like had George never been born. I would hate to see what the world would look like without Leo Fender. A one-eyed radio repairman--born in a barn-- transformed the world with one guitar. This is his story captured in an uncommon and absorbing way.
-- BRYAN LOCKE, BOWLING GREEN'S CLASSIC ROCK D93 DAILY NEWS BROADCASTING CO., INC.

Phyllis Fender provides a beautifully candid portrait of the humble genius we all know as the inventor of the electric guitar in Leo Fender: The Quiet Giant Heard Around the World. From losing an eye in a childhood accident, to achieving fame and fortune through his infamous inventions, Fender's life had plenty of ups and downs. But the one thing that remained the same through all of it was Leo; unfaltering, stoic, and supremely dedicated to his craft.
-- TREVOR ENGLISH, WAREHOUSE GUITAR SPEAKERS

Phyllis Fender lovingly refers to Leo Fender throughout the book as "my Leo." The book is not all about the guitars. It's about Leo Fender the man. It's easy to read, full of history, and features black and white photos throughout. Reading this book, being involved in the music industry, and having lived in Southern California, I thoroughly enjoyed the photos and history of Fullerton. I recommend the book for anyone wanting to learn more about the man behind this iconic brand.
-- TARA LOW, GUITAR GIRL MAGAZINE

As devotees of both music and technology, it was such a treat to dive into the world of Leo Fender with both Phyllis and Randall. Leo was a visionary who has changed the world of music--and technology--as we know it today. This book took us back in time, and really told stories in such a way that we felt that we were there. Thank you, Phyllis and Randall. We're forever grateful for your storytelling and warm hearts!
-- GEEKS & BEATS

Any guitar player who appreciates Fender guitars and amps will appreciate learning more about the unusual man behind them, Leo Fender. This book, by Leo's second wife, offers an admittedly biased view of Leo the single-minded inventor. While short on details about specific instruments and amps, it's long on personal anecdotes and details of his life as only a loving wife can offer.
-- CHRIS BEYTES, BALL PUBLISHING AND PROUD OWNER OF A '57 STRAT REISSUE)