During the 1960s, I learned songs like "Wipeout", "Dance To The Guitar Man" and "Apache" for the guitar. During the late 50s and early 60s, guitar instrumentals were very popular and some songs like those above reached the top ten.
Without a doubt, Les Paul popularized the guitar as a solo instrument. It's interesting how he lays multi guitar tracks into a performance he does with a drummer in the youtube video above.
For a short while, I played like a guitar hero in the 60s, but basically, I wanted to be a singer and my dreams were realized in karaoke bars. I even won a few singing contests.
Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy, Chuck Berry, and Les Paul were the best of the 50s guitarists. Les Paul ranks as the best because he was an inventor who created the first solid state electric guitar along with multiple music tracks.
"Tiger Rag" is my favourite Les Paul and Mary Ford song. You can listen to it on this website.