When Two Guitar Legends Met on Morning TV: Les Paul and Chet Atkins Promote Guitar Monsters (1978)
On July 5, 1978, two of the most influential guitarists in modern music—Les Paul and Chet Atkins—appeared together on the iconic morning program Today to promote their collaborative album Guitar Monsters.
The television appearance captured a rare and entertaining meeting between two musicians who had each reshaped the sound of the guitar in very different ways. During the broadcast, the host introduced Les Paul as not only a guitarist and songwriter but also one of the most important innovators in recorded music. His pioneering work on multitrack recording and overdubbing, along with the string of hits he recorded with his late wife Mary Ford in the 1950s—including “How High the Moon”—had already secured his place in music history.
Chet Atkins, meanwhile, was presented as the embodiment of the polished “Nashville sound.” At the time he was not only a celebrated guitarist but also a key executive at RCA Records, where he helped shape country music’s crossover appeal.
The title of their album sparked a moment of humor during the interview. When asked why the record was called Guitar Monsters, the pair jokingly replied that it might simply be because “we look like monsters.” The lighthearted exchange set the tone for the rest of the segment.
Music quickly followed. Joined by supporting musicians, the duo launched into lively performances of jazz and swing standards such as “Avalon,” “Limehouse Blues,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing.” Their playing revealed the contrast—and chemistry—between Atkins’ smooth fingerstyle precision and Paul’s inventive electric phrasing.
One of the most memorable moments came when Les Paul demonstrated a small electronic device he called the “Les Pulverizer.” The gadget allowed him to layer rhythm, bass, and echo effects live, essentially building the sound of a small band with just a guitar. The demonstration reflected the same experimental spirit that had made Paul a pioneer of studio recording decades earlier.
Chet Atkins also showcased a unique folding travel guitar, explaining how the instrument had been designed so it could collapse and fit under an airplane seat—an ingenious solution for touring musicians constantly on the road.
The appearance on Today was more than a promotional stop. It highlighted a rare collaboration between two legends whose combined influence stretched from country and jazz to the very technology of modern recording. For viewers in 1978, the performance offered a front-row seat to the playful camaraderie and extraordinary musicianship behind Guitar Monsters.