Fender Gave Rock Guitarists Their ‘Armor’

Leo Fender was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who praised the late Orange County-born-and-based guitar designer and manufacturer as the man who gave rock guitarists their “armor.”

Accepting the award, Fender’s widow, Phyllis, said: “He would have been so proud if he could have been here, but he would have been the most surprised of all because he never thought he was doing anything unusual.

“He just loved musicians. He felt they were special envoys from God to make our lives a little better, and he was put here to make the very best instruments that ever could be made.”