at an early age by music on the radio. Artists like Gene Vincent,Chuck Berry,Bo Diddley
and Little Richard had the biggest impact as well as other styles ranging from Hank Williams to surf music. In fact, the first time he heard "Wipe Out", he promptly fashioned a crude set of bongos out of two coffee cans. "I'd bang on those things like a monkey 'til my hands swelled up. I remember playing them in the closet because it was louder in there."
With money from a paper route and a down payment from his parents, Les was able to buy his first set of drums in 1965. Soon after, a garage band was formed, much to the dismay of the neighbors. His first gig was a house party that earned him 10 dollars, 2 hot dogs and above all, the sudden attention from his female classmates. At that moment, he decided to officially launch his career!
In 1970, he learned some guitar chords and a whole new world opened up. Then, in 1978, he started finger-pickin' a mountain dulcimer his brother had built. He later went on to win the 1990 National Mountain Dulcimer Championship in Winfield, Ks. After serving time in Branson, he escaped unharmed and settled in Springfield. There, he began recording dulcimer music with his brother Gary, who happens to be the 1987 National Champ. They released 3 CDs of original dulcimer instrumentals.
2008 marks his 43rd year in the music business, working and recording with countless bands,including honky-tonk rockers The Domino Kings. During this time, Les toured Europe and much of the U.S. They released four CDs that were well received by fans and critics alike.
Les formed The Maxwells on a whim to be the guitarist in a small band. "I wanted to go back one more time and play all that early rock-n-roll stuff while I still had some energy left in me. Regardless of how things turn out, I feel like a kid again. I may even play for 10 dollars and 2 hot dogs if you ask me nice!" He also enjoys pickin' around town with Stag Owens and the Staggeroos and occasional gigs with Stevie Newman, Brian Capps, Randle Chowning, The Garbonzos and Bud Johnson.
Les is currently building dulcimers, writing songs, and planning The Maxwells' debut CD. For more information on dulcimers, go to dulcimercentral.com