The Gibson Guitar Company debuted its first Les Paul model in 1952, which later became the instrument of choice for rock musicians such as Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page.

VOA: standard.2009.08.14

Mr. RALPH HEIBUTZKI (Author, "Unfinished Business"): It's almost like Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin decided to stick with playing the local pub.

NPR: Danny Gatton: 'World's Greatest Unknown Guitarist'

They continued recording and touring well into the 1990s, supporting Bob Dylan and veterans of Led Zeppelin Robert Plant and Jimmy Page.

BBC: Adamson: Scotland's guitar hero

Honorees this year included actor Dustin Hoffman, late night host David Letterman, Russian ballerina Natalia Makarova, Chicago blues musician Buddy Guy, and the three surviving members of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones.

FORBES: Heart's Ann Wilson Kills Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway To Heaven' At Kennedy Center Honors